tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30076492837758059882019-01-03T20:11:25.471-08:00Luna RainLuna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.comBlogger895125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-66013985909449179162017-11-20T02:45:00.001-08:002017-11-20T02:45:46.721-08:00This Is Not Goodbye- Why I Am On HiatusIt is with deep regret that I am informing you today that I will not be blogging on here any more... or at least not for the time being. Everything is still a bit up in the air. I honestly have no idea if I will be coming back to lolita fashion blogging or not. If you wish to know why, then keep reading. If you get to the end- congrats! Your prize is my gratitude. Otherwise, I guess I would like to say thank you for reading my blog and I am sorry it had to end.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SRfZ1Fb9J9I/WhKxwOxDGnI/AAAAAAAAKVw/ZOsxv6faMeERhrQnq-8YXR4Ic6xWSRk9ACLcBGAs/s1600/106_3237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SRfZ1Fb9J9I/WhKxwOxDGnI/AAAAAAAAKVw/ZOsxv6faMeERhrQnq-8YXR4Ic6xWSRk9ACLcBGAs/s320/106_3237.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />So firstly, this blog sort of naturally ran its course. I had a list of posts I wanted to make before thinking of shutting down this blog and that list has been completed. Truth is, I could easily keep this blog going just doing print discussions, shopping reviews and outfit posts, but that is not really why I started this blog in the first place and I don't wish to become repetitive. This blog was meant to be a diary of me starting out in lolita fashion and then how I progressed. I logged my experiences and thoughts. But for a while now a lot of my growth has been going on away from the lolita fashion community. I have actually been talking about ending this blog since as far back as 2014, but then for some reason it just kept going. Whilst I am glad I decided to carry back on in 2014, I feel nothing but relief that I am ending it now in 2017. I got an extra 3 years out of this blog and I think I wrote some of my best posts during those 3 years.<br /><br />Secondly, I can't go in to too much detail, but somebody close to me is very sick. It is not terminal or life shortening, but it is going to affect them for the rest of their life. They actually got officially diagnosed just before Dream Masquerade Carnival and that is why I was such a mess at the tea party. There has been a lot going on behind the scenes including hospital trips, talks with specialists etc. It got me thinking about my own health as well and back in October I finally had a test done which I had been putting off for over a decade (Yay, I was finally brave! James even treated me to salted caramel doughnuts afterwards). I have been thinking a lot about happiness and well-being and sadly, this blog does not really make me happy any more. That is not to say that I don't enjoy the activities and interacting with my readers- believe me, I love reading all of your comments and it made me happy when people came up to me at events and told me they read this blog. But the actual writing part became more of a chore than a pleasure. I want to focus on things that make me happy again. This past year I have completed a course of therapy, which was a real eye-opener. I have also been doing a lot of exercise classes, so I am physically stronger as well. In fact, I may have to sell my Bodyline OP because my biceps are bulkier now and the sleeves are a bit tight... When I compare myself to how I was even just a year ago, I am so much happier and fitter. I feel good about myself. Putting this blog on hiatus is another step on my journey to growing as a person.<br /><br />Finally, this blog has unfortunately gotten in the way of me pursuing other projects. Believe it or not, even just doing 2 posts a week can get very time consuming. The print posts were not too bad, but the more personal ones took further planning and organising. It wasn't unusual for one post to take me a couple of hours, which can be hard to find when you are also juggling work and other stuff. I have been doing lots of things, such as baking and helping to run charity bake sales. Doing this made me remember how passionate I am about baking and the stalls meant I made new friends and got to help out for a good cause. The last stall made about £300 for a cancer charity and I can't wait for the next one. You will even be able to see a recipe from me in the last Tea Party Club annual. But there is another project which I have actually already started which is going to be eating away at my spare time. I don't wish to say too much about it right now, because it is still early days. The talk I had with somebody at DMC proved pivotal in me taking a big step to finally achieving this dream I have. I am really excited! Hopefully I will be able to share more on this in the future, but it probably wont be for at least another year. I also have some other small side projects which I am hopeful I can put some time and effort in to now that I wont be writing posts for this blog.<br /><br />So until I figure out what I want to do and how to manage everything, this is sadly going to be my last post. Thank you all for reading and taking part. The blog is going to stay up, so you will be able to look back at any posts you want. If you wish to keep in contact with me, you can either friend me on Facebook (although please say a bit about who you are so I know you are not some random creep) or you can follow me on Instagram&nbsp;@t_is_for_tiffin (be aware you will get my day to day stuff as well as fashion stuff) and I will probably be keeping my Twitter for now, which is linked on the side. I don't really follow that many J-fashion people on Instagram yet, so I would really love to see some of you on there. I am not leaving Japanese fashion, just this blog. So hopefully I will be able to still see some of you and I hope we can keep in contact. If not, then thank you for being a part of this blog. It means a lot to me.Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-61068467669517971432017-11-16T02:46:00.002-08:002017-11-16T02:46:53.637-08:00A Few Hints About TaobaoSomething I frequently get asked about in emails and on places like Facebook is about how I get my head around Taobao. To a beginner, Taobao can be a very daunting place. There are so many different shops and guides, and then you have to learn how to use shopping services. So I decided today that I would share a bit about how I got in to Taobao ordering and where to go for the right advice.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xrxyo2cVzvM/WIntBdqETaI/AAAAAAAAJlA/WPk_skyw0lElx2DboXFEx4AhkcpgOmCgQCLcB/s1600/taobao.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xrxyo2cVzvM/WIntBdqETaI/AAAAAAAAJlA/WPk_skyw0lElx2DboXFEx4AhkcpgOmCgQCLcB/s320/taobao.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />Firstly, you should really check out 4chan. I appreciate that 4chan and the cgl board are seen as quite 'dirty' words in the lolita community and nobody likes to admit that they go on there, but it is possible to go on there without getting dragged in to any drama. Use the catalog to find the latest Taobao thread and you will find in the OP post an extensive guide. It really is the most reliable Taobao guide that I have come across. It has a load of lists for shops, shopping services, FAQs and even a dictionary so that you can search Taobao using Chinese instead of English by simply copying and pasting from the spreadsheet. If you want, you can also read the rest of the Taobao thread, although the guide is usually pinned to the OP post. A lot of people post their hauls in these threads and sometimes you stumble across some really cute stuff which you may have missed. You may even be able to ask the haul buyer where they got their stuff from. Sometimes people place reviews in these threads as well or offer updated advice on how reliable certain shopping services are.<br /><br />There are a couple of points that sometimes get missed in the threads if you don't check them regularly. So I decided to include a list of pointers that I have learnt from my own experiences of placing Taobao orders.<br /><br /><b>Make sure to order items such as wrist cuffs in pairs- </b>In the lolita community it probably seems like a bit of a no-brainer that wrist cuffs always come in pairs. But sometimes you will find that some stores only send out one wrist cuff and you don't find out until they have arrived at your shopping service. Look at the price. Does it seem realistic for a pair? Perhaps try emphasizing to your shopping service that you require 1 pair of cuffs so that there isn't any miscommunication. I have actually had an experience where a store ran out of stock of wrist cuffs, and I ended up with just one cuff even though I ordered 2. If you are able to, stick a note when you place your order to make sure your shopping service knows that you want 2 or you wish to cancel this item if they don't have enough stock.<br /><br /><b>Some stores use real animal fur- </b>This is obviously a huge issue and something you need to be aware of. If you can't tell from the item description that something is definitely made of fake fur, then don't risk ordering it. Real fur tends to feel softer than fake fur.<br /><br /><b>Sometimes wigs come in multiple sizes- </b>This is something I only discovered very recently myself, and I had no idea! I am yet to stumble across a wig store that offers more than one size. If you do, then either ask your shopping service a question about the sizing or post in the cgl Taobao thread for further advice. This is very confusing and I will edit this post with further information if I discover anything more.<br /><br /><b>Sometimes shoe sizing charts are incorrect- </b>I have noticed that I have had to go a size up every single time I have ordered shoes from Taobao. Even then they have sometimes been a bit small. According to a lot of size charts, I should be ordering a 39 but instead I have learnt to ignore the charts and order a 41. The shoes can sometimes be a bit narrow too. Proceed with caution, especially if you are new to Taobao.<br /><br /><b>Lots of Taobao stores will hold sales throughout the year- </b>The biggest sale of the year is usually the one for 11/11 held on the 11th of November. This is a good time to get Taobao items for even cheaper. However, be aware that more people are realising about these sales and because of this, sometimes shopping services get a bit clogged up with all the orders.<br /><br /><b>Aliexpress can be good for smaller orders- </b>Shopping service fees can add up, and to make the most of this you should generally try to place bigger orders to make the fees more 'worth it'. But if you only want one or two items, I would suggest trying to locate them on Aliexpress. A lot of Taobao stores also have stores on Aliexpress and generally it is cheaper to place smaller orders here. Using Aliexpress basically means you don't need a shopping service, so you don't need to take their fees in to consideration.<br /><br /><b>A lot of listings will be full of Chinese slang- </b>Google Translate has thrown up some very weird phrases on Taobao! The most common example I have found is "fried chicken". If you see a listing that mentions "fried chicken", don't panic! You are not going to be sent a bucket of KFC. It is simply slang, which means that an item is very good.<br /><br /><b>Sometimes the colour listings can be confusing- </b>I have seen that a lot of Taobao stores class navy blue as some shade of purple. Another common example is sax blue and mint. It can be very difficult to tell which colour you are getting sometimes.<br /><br /><b>Don't place orders around Chinese holidays- </b>Placing orders around the time of a national Chinese holiday can be a very painful experience. Everything is slow because all of the stores close, and you wont be able to contact your shopping service when they take time off either. Be aware of placing orders around times such as Chinese New Year. Even when stores start to re-open, it can take a bit of time for service speed to pick up. Weirdly though, there are some Western holidays where you may find your shopping service is working. I remember on one Christmas morning I was messaging Ray from Taobao Spree, who had shipped out my order on Christmas Day. We wished each other a Merry Christmas!<br /><br /><b>Be careful when ordering homewares- </b>This especially applies to kitchenware and any non clothing that comes in contact with the body *cough*sextoys*cough*. China does not have the same safety regulations as other countries and as a result, sometimes those cute little homewares can actually be quite dangerous. Besides, cute homeware is becoming more popular and although it will probably be more expensive, there are more choices available elsewhere.<br /><br />Those are just a few hints that I could think of. If I think of any more I will try to add them to this list before I publish it, or I will edit the post at a later date. But chances are, you will find the answer to any questions you may have in the cgl guide or in the cgl Taobao thread. I appreciate that sometimes anonymous people can get a bit snarky if the same questions get asked over and over again, but if you genuinely can't find an answer after a bit of searching then please don't hesitate to ask.Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-43951125258985518652017-11-13T02:56:00.000-08:002017-11-13T02:58:55.730-08:00Why Lolita Has Ruined Everyday Shopping For MeThere is nothing I love more than doing a bit of lolita-related shopping online and it's something that takes up a good chunk of my free time. There are just so many auctions and new releases to check out! But before I got in to lolita, I used to love going shopping anyway. Clothes, hobbies, some new cosmetic line... I loved going out and having a good, long shopping session. Eventually, as lolita seeped more and more in to my everyday life, my feelings towards any non-lolita related shopping changed. It no longer feels like a pleasurable experience and if I need to go out and buy something, it fills my heart with dread! I blame lolita for this, as I have found that it has completely changed my views on so many things. I have picked up these little habits and thoughts which I cannot shake off. So here is a list of the ways that lolita has destroyed everyday shopping for me!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXYjB5wC4ZY/VpUfX2NQVeI/AAAAAAAAIiw/BerhqcHUGVY/s1600/shopaholic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXYjB5wC4ZY/VpUfX2NQVeI/AAAAAAAAIiw/BerhqcHUGVY/s320/shopaholic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Any concept of pricing has gone- </b>See a nice looking blouse in town for £30? In my head that seems expensive. See an auction for a lolita brand blouse for £40 before shipping, service fees and customs? Bargain! I pay loads more for my lolita purchases but when it comes to justifying buying something for my everyday wardrobe, I find myself dithering and wondering if it is really worth it. The crazy thing about this is, I probably wear lolita about 10% of the time and yet when it comes to that other 90% I just can't seem to part with the cash so easily.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>I can't buy anything with cheap looking details- </b>Low quality lace, shiny ribbon and other things that tend to make a garment look cheap are something I actively look out for in lolita. The trouble is, I am now doing it with my everyday clothes as well. Although this may sound like a good habit, sometimes I wonder if it really matters. For example, if I wanted to buy some underwear and it had cheap lace on it, who is going to see it? Probably just myself and my husband! And I can tell you with confidence that my husband has never once looked at me and called me out for wearing cheap lace! And yet, I still can't bring myself to buy those cheap lacy undies... There is always that voice in my head telling me that lace wouldn't look out of place on the most hideous ita dress. Oh well, those cheap panties are probably super itchy anyway...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>There are no stickers or other cute freebies- </b>Anybody else like collecting those little freebies that come with their Japanese fashion purchases? Stickers, maybe postcards and even a cute shopping bag- I have loads of little collections that I have gathered from buying lolita over the years. Even the price tags are super cute! I also love the experience of visiting a stall at a big lolita event and seeing the stall owners wrap up my items in pastel coloured tissue paper, gently putting them in their cute logo shopping bag and maybe using a cute looking sticker to seal the top of the bag. Do you get that when you go to a bog-standard shop on the high street? No! Here in England you just get asked if you want a plastic carrier bag (and then they inform you that will be an extra 5 pence) and they just shove your stuff in the bag with little care or attention. There are no cute little extras here. Although you can't really blame the retail staff on the high street, as a lot of them are working long hours for a paltry wage and usually there is a big queue of people to deal with. On the rare occasions where you do get exceptional treatment, it makes me appreciate the extra effort that little bit more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>I actually have to try stuff on to check it fits- </b>Usually with lolita clothing I have a pretty good idea if something will fit or not before it has even arrived. And there is always the shirring and waist ties as well. If something really doesn't fit, I have the confidence of knowing I can probably sell it on and get most of my money back. When I go out shopping for stuff like jeans, for example, I have to try them on in the store with no exceptions. I am not sure what clothes stores are like in other countries, but here in the UK we have a big problem with 'vanity sizing'. So you could be a size 8 in one store but a size 10 or 12 in another. And in the cheaper places like Primark, 2 items that are supposedly the same size could in fact be completely different sizes. So it is vital to try things on. That means queuing for ages for an available cubicle, and sometimes the cubicles are not the most clean of places. It all feels like a complete hassle. And the only reason I do it is that I know that if I walk out the store with something that doesn't fit, I will then have the hassle of queuing at the returns counter and wasting more time. Even then, I may get store credit instead of getting my money back.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>I have no idea what sort of everyday clothes I even like any more- </b>I know what themes I love in lolita and when I am not wearing lolita I have this sort of casual 'uniform' of jeans, a t-shirt and a hoodie. I live in a town where if you wear anything other than jeans, you really look out of place. So a lot of the time when I don't wear lolita, I usually tend to just 'blend in' and I look the same a lot of the time. I work from home too, so I don't usually get much of a chance to dress up usually, because there doesn't seem to be much point. Most of the time, this is fine. However, when a special event comes up, I usually have to go and buy myself a new outfit. And when this happens, I usually don't have a clue what sort of clothing I like. It's been so long that I have brought anything other than casual clothes or lolita, that when I look at all these fancy non-lolita dresses it is a real shock to the system. I had to go outfit shopping for James' work Christmas do last year and I almost had a complete breakdown in the middle of a busy shopping centre! It is because I have become a creature of habit and anything that takes me out of my comfort zone causes panic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>I am always trying to 'lolify' everything- </b>Even when I am trying to switch off the lolita part of my brain, it still has a habit of popping out when I go shopping. I find myself asking if it matches the colours of my lolita wardrobe, even if I have no intention of wearing it as part of a lolita outfit. And accessory shopping is a pain too. I look at stuff and think "If I add a bit of lace to that, it could maybe work for lolita...". As much as I love lolita, I feel the need to take a break from it every now and then and I try not to let it dominate my life. Sadly, I can't always tell my brain to stop thinking as a lolita would!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Even sales don't seem that great any more- </b>Because nothing will ever compare to the Mr Yan Happy Birthday 50% off Everything Sale of September 1st 2011. My friends and I still tell tales of that epic sale to this very day...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>"I could be spending this money on brand!"- </b>And finally, what is possibly the most frustrating point on this entire list! I am out shopping and I have finally convinced myself that I really want this item I found... I get to the queue to pay when that voice inevitably creeps in- "What if some amazing bargain has just come up on the Japanese auctions?". And when you are looking for a dream dress there is always the paranoia that as soon as you part with any money, it will suddenly pop up and you no longer have the money for the dress. This feeling of dread has plagued me the entire time I have been in to lolita and to be fair, this fear is well founded. Only a few weeks ago, I was buying something online and something from my wishlist happened to pop up for sale a day later. One of the most important lessons a lolita has to learn is how to get over "the dress that got away".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Something tells me that if or when I leave lolita, these little habits and thoughts are not just going to just go away. To be fair though, lolita has also taught me some really positive things about shopping. I had to teach myself how to budget and be responsible with my money. I take a lot more time to think my purchases through now and if I am having a dilemma about buying something, I will usually ask a friend to talk me through whether I actually want it or not. Well, I hope you enjoyed me sharing my shopping experiences with you all. Maybe you empathised or laughed, or perhaps you completely disagree with me. The important thing is, that despite these little rants in today's post, I still look at my beautiful lolita wardrobe and feel it was all worth it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-80491849445479408932017-11-09T03:45:00.000-08:002017-11-09T03:45:27.458-08:00Mollie Makes- Cute Crafting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the more interesting aspects of having therapy (which I have now completed! Yay!) is the random discoveries that you make during your journey. A task that I had to complete every single week (and still do now afterwards, because I find it fun) was to do 5 relaxing things every week. Sounds easy, right? Well it can be surprisingly difficult to make time to simply relax and plan what activities you are going to do! As part of this, I decided that I wanted to explore a little bit more the things which I have previously enjoyed, but sort of got pushed aside. A part of this involved going to a store with a huge magazine selection and browsing the general interest section. It was during this time that I stumbled across a magazine called Mollie Makes. The free gift that issue was this cute biscuit keychain. I made a note to myself to buy the magazine the following day when I had more money, but it turned out it was that day that the new issue was coming out. Typical! So I decided to take to Ebay and the like, in search of Mollie Makes issues. I discovered that they could be somewhat relevant to the Japanese Fashion and general Kawaii Community.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vX0i4mvWgUo/Wdn0iVF8m7I/AAAAAAAAKTY/9i63B_64ClA8JY8N5Ggu4YgeMXkWmtCLQCLcBGAs/s1600/106_3205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vX0i4mvWgUo/Wdn0iVF8m7I/AAAAAAAAKTY/9i63B_64ClA8JY8N5Ggu4YgeMXkWmtCLQCLcBGAs/s320/106_3205.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I got this issue of Mollie Makes because the cover photo looked very promising. I was not disappointed. It gives clear instructions on how to make cute stuff, such as the felt macarons you can see here. These would not look too out of place on a lolita accessory. I am having fun coming up with ideas on how I can use this macaron pattern as a base for future crafting projects.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5H354eRMO3k/Wdn0if6WEbI/AAAAAAAAKTg/f0N1gUQ3lmUg_JGFkqL1u_A6o45cSHyMwCLcBGAs/s1600/106_3207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5H354eRMO3k/Wdn0if6WEbI/AAAAAAAAKTg/f0N1gUQ3lmUg_JGFkqL1u_A6o45cSHyMwCLcBGAs/s320/106_3207.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is also simple embroidery and it talks you through the basic techniques. I think this could be a useful magazine for anybody looking to extend their crafting knowledge or those who dream of selling their own accessories. There is a range of big and small projects- there is a crochet skirt and other clothing as well- and a wide range of variety. Some of the projects will probably not be related to your interests at all, but there is a great deal of potential here as well. There are also interviews with members of the crafting community. It gives a fascinating insight in to the day to day life of your typical crafter. It gives you an idea of where their inspiration comes from.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fcxpxsW2c_E/Wdn0iWo1-5I/AAAAAAAAKTc/TiJGDBvBrHc0v0lO4vhQ7_ust77uEzd5QCLcBGAs/s1600/106_3208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fcxpxsW2c_E/Wdn0iWo1-5I/AAAAAAAAKTc/TiJGDBvBrHc0v0lO4vhQ7_ust77uEzd5QCLcBGAs/s320/106_3208.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am really looking forward to buying further editions of Mollie Makes in the future. In fact, I may delay publishing this so I have a chance to get all the past issues I want! But there are also online patterns and projects if you do not wish to commit and buy a physical copy. I just wanted to give the magazine a bit of a signal boost because I think it could be a useful tool. Out of all the craft magazines I have come across this is one of the best ones I have discovered. I can't wait to make the macarons!</div><br />Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-85340942237045502392017-11-06T03:08:00.000-08:002017-11-06T03:08:38.275-08:00Zodiac Lolita- The Water SignsTime for another Zodiac Lolita post! Today's post is about the water signs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Cancer</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XyfZkZ8c7gI/VZFpvJZU-EI/AAAAAAAAHsg/MTyrJAgX96E/s1600/cancer.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XyfZkZ8c7gI/VZFpvJZU-EI/AAAAAAAAHsg/MTyrJAgX96E/s320/cancer.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My star sign! Cancers are soft and put on a hard shell to protect themselves from the big bad world. I feel a bonnet would be a good hair accessory to act as Cancer's shell, as well as long, flowing hair. Cancers tend to have a hard time parting from their favourite items and will hang on to them for ages and wear them lots. With this in mind, vintage pieces and pieces passed down the family are good choices for Cancer Lolitas. They are likely to love pearls or silver jewellery. Seafoam green is a colour often associated with Cancer, so I feel this Pina Sweet Collection dress was a suitable choice, with its soft, feminine layers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Pisces</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2mU0GRMJkis/VZFpvUYXP_I/AAAAAAAAHsk/m-cFeQdpdyA/s1600/pisces.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2mU0GRMJkis/VZFpvUYXP_I/AAAAAAAAHsk/m-cFeQdpdyA/s320/pisces.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pisces loves to daydream and love romantic touches, such as chiffon and shimmer. They are incredibly affected by water, and tend to be very laid-back and go with the flow. So I decided for my Pisces outfit to go a bit more casual, but with a few bright, glittery pieces. People born under Pisces can be quite secretive and like to keep the dark inside, so they tend to go for pastel colours. Greenish blue and pastel colours tend to be favoured. Pisces is also a big jewellery fan and they can sometimes wear a bit too much. For some bizarre reason, Pisces rules the feet, so they usually love footwear. They are likely to have many different pairs of shoes and will go for bold shoe choices.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Scorpio</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJuqHTNuA6I/VZFpvDinOeI/AAAAAAAAHsw/8pvc5wQ0YGk/s1600/scorpio.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJuqHTNuA6I/VZFpvDinOeI/AAAAAAAAHsw/8pvc5wQ0YGk/s320/scorpio.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Scorpio is a very sexy sign but at the same time, they like to leave something to the imagination. Who knows what lurks underneath Scorpio's clothing? Scorpio is enticing and mysterious. It was a bit difficult to balance the sexiness with the typical lolita aesthetic, so I decided to go for some slight ero elements, rather than full-on ero. Scorpios love lace and the colour black. They would perhaps like burgandy as well, but I decided to go for all-black here. Sexy high heels and boots are popular Scorpio choices. They are also more likely to go for solid coloured pieces which make a statement over prints.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So those are today's zodiac outfits. Please do remember that zodiac signs are not always so clearly defined. These outfit choices could be the complete opposite of your own wardrobe. I had no idea just how difficult it would be to do my own star sign. I kept wanting to pick pieces I liked over what a typical Cancer would pick! Although I admit there are parts of my Cancer outfit that I would definitely wear, so I don't think it was a complete disaster!</div><br />Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-25688119152615756622017-11-02T04:06:00.000-07:002017-11-02T04:06:40.416-07:00Zodiac Lolita- The Air SignsToday's zodiac lolita post will be focusing on the air signs. I hope people have been liking my choices so far. I have really enjoyed putting these zodiac collages together.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Aquarius</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S0KP3pvJSgk/VZFx3KQyRgI/AAAAAAAAHtE/pQAbMBH_B6c/s1600/aquarius.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S0KP3pvJSgk/VZFx3KQyRgI/AAAAAAAAHtE/pQAbMBH_B6c/s320/aquarius.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Out of all 12 outfit collages, this one was by far the most difficult! Aquarians tend to be individuals and are very difficult to define. So this collage may not represent the typical Aquarius lolita at all. Aquarius hates boredom and likes to be original and break the rules. They will wear what they want and believe their clothing is a statement as to who they really are. I felt light grey would be an interesting choice for Aquarius, as it is a colour that is not often seen in lolita. So by my reasoning, for lolita this is a colour that makes a statement! Aquarius has a passion for history, so they are likely to go for classic lolita. Remember, Aquarius is the water-bearer with a very close association with water. Just like water, Aquarius is ever-moving and ever-evolving.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Gemini</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cgrNZhSDBuA/VZFx2vrh2QI/AAAAAAAAHtA/aVTZ1tjTgH0/s1600/gemini.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cgrNZhSDBuA/VZFx2vrh2QI/AAAAAAAAHtA/aVTZ1tjTgH0/s320/gemini.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gemini is very child-like and love styles that are funky and youth-orientated. With their dual personalities, they tend to favour more than one style and are likely to have closets brimming with clothing for any occasion. Colour and frivolity are good words to describe the Gemini wardrobe. To me, Gemini is about sweet lolita, but they could also possibly be in to fairy-kei. I kept my Gemini choices bright and eye-catching. If they can fit neon elements in to their outfits, they will. The part of the body that gemini rules is the hands. Bracelets, wrist cuffs and pretty rings are good choices for Gemini.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Libra</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWEprIAMXBc/VZFx28s8S0I/AAAAAAAAHtM/pDmfoo9N3sU/s1600/libra.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWEprIAMXBc/VZFx28s8S0I/AAAAAAAAHtM/pDmfoo9N3sU/s320/libra.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Libras are fashion-conscious and always strive to look their best. So whilst they like the big brand names, they are also looking for the perfect fit and good quality. Libra is a very romantic sign and Libra is drawn to lace and texture. I felt AP's Katrina OP with its lovely lacy texture would appeal to Libra! Libra is another sign that loves accessories and jewellery, but would never look over-done. Elegance and luxury is very important. Libra doesn't tend to be a flashy or gaudy dresser. They tend to get noticed because their wardrobe has real style.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So despite the problems I had with the air signs, I finally managed to finish them! Be aware, that these outfits may be completely different to your usual style. Zodiac fashion is not always easy to define!</div><br />Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-13983704076480104372017-10-30T03:43:00.000-07:002017-10-30T03:43:56.375-07:00Zodiac Lolita- the Earth SignsToday I am back with another zodiac lolita post! This time I will be focusing on the Earth signs. So let's see what I can come up with today.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Capricorn</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QYITycH2TT0/VY163LfPgbI/AAAAAAAAHr8/ihu2pRHrKrU/s1600/capricorn.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QYITycH2TT0/VY163LfPgbI/AAAAAAAAHr8/ihu2pRHrKrU/s320/capricorn.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Traditional would be a good word to describe Capricorn. They choose to follow all the established rules to the letter. Capricorns like attention but tend to stay away from flashy fashions. So a Capricorn is more likely to go for understated elegance. Capricorns are the most likely to be in to old-school lolita and white/pale pink seemed a good colour choice for this sign. Capricorns desire quality and see brand names as status symbols. However, they are unlikely to go for head-to-toe brand and will choose some good quality off-brand to go with their brand. Capricorns are massive bag fans, and their bags tend to be big status symbols. They would probably go for well-known bags, such as the Milk heart bag (Yes, I know I used a replica in the collage, but I couldn't find a decent picture of the Milk one at the time).&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Taurus</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKgJcXHEEBE/VY163flQurI/AAAAAAAAHsA/-i4ijHG6r8I/s1600/taurus.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rKgJcXHEEBE/VY163flQurI/AAAAAAAAHsA/-i4ijHG6r8I/s320/taurus.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Taurus tends to be lazy and relaxed. They are all about being pretty, but also comfortable. They are likely to go for pieces that are soft and are pleasing to touch. Chiffon seemed a good choice for this Taurus lolita outfit. Taurus is quite nostalgic and tends to favour styles that made them feel comfortable in the past. So they will usually try to build upon the already discovered. Perhaps they have favourite pieces that appear frequently in their outfits. Taureans prefer a softer colour palette, so I went for a sage green and ivory colour scheme. The part of the body that Taurus represents is the neck, so I chose a blouse with an interesting neckline. Scarves and neck ties are also good choices for the Taurus lolita.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Virgo</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-03-SCFExqsM/VY163BSpWJI/AAAAAAAAHsI/l4-rBOymle8/s1600/virgo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-03-SCFExqsM/VY163BSpWJI/AAAAAAAAHsI/l4-rBOymle8/s320/virgo.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Observant, reliable and precise are good words to describe Virgo. The Virgo lolita needs to be neat, polished and perfectly "put together". Virgo loves brand, but don't feel the need to plaster themselves with brand logos. They choose pieces where the good quality does the talking. They like tradition, so like pieces that they know are going to last. Virgos pick timeless over trends. They don't need to go too OTT to be noticed. I would say Virgo is definitely likely to go for classic and Innocent World seems a good choice. Virgo is the most likely to choose deep browns and prefer ivory over pure white.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It will be interesting to see what people think of my Earth sign outfits. I already know one or two lolitas who are not going to agree with my choices for their signs! But this is all meant to be a bit of fun. I tried to base it on typical zodiac personalities rather than actual lolitas I know anyway!</div><br />Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-29931982773681203412017-10-26T02:48:00.000-07:002017-10-26T02:48:11.242-07:00Zodiac Lolita- Starting With the Fire Signs!So today I am pulling another post out of the archives that I created ages ago and never got around to publishing. Hope it is okay and not cringey!<br /><br />I was going through some of the old lolita blogs I used to read and I remembered a post about zodiac lolitas, where the blog author created lolita outfits based on the personalities of the 12 Western zodiac signs. I thought this was a really fun idea, so I decided to give it a go myself. First up today is my take on the fire signs!<br /><br />Disclaimer- There isn't a great deal of "zodiac fashion" information out there so there may be similarities to other zodiac fashion style posts. I tried to keep things as original as possible though. Also, I am not a great believer that everybody can be so clearly defined by 12 zodiac signs, so if you are not a fan of the outfit created for your star sign please try not to take it personally!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Aries</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0VUoFc-0E0c/VY1vyft0heI/AAAAAAAAHrk/iyfKaXDKuW0/s1600/aries.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0VUoFc-0E0c/VY1vyft0heI/AAAAAAAAHrk/iyfKaXDKuW0/s320/aries.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Aries tend to be go-getter leaders. They are independent, bold and courageous. Rules are made to be broken (Gasp! No blouse!) and the Aries lolita is not afraid to stand out from the crowd. The Aries lolita is one that is likely to divide opinions and will get loads of supportive comments, but is just as likely to get posted on cgl. They love bold colours, especially red. The part of the body that Aries rules is the head, so I went for a bonnet, as this is a hair accessory that usually stands out. I felt a red and gold palette was a good option for the bold Aries lolita.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Leo</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2KPb53cZeok/VY1vytdAkkI/AAAAAAAAHrc/j-oSxmypDXc/s1600/leo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2KPb53cZeok/VY1vytdAkkI/AAAAAAAAHrc/j-oSxmypDXc/s320/leo.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Leo the lion is energetic and loves attention. They tend to go for bright colours, OTT and are likely to love sweet lolita. Leo lolitas love their brand names and if I were to pink a brand, it would definitely have to be Angelic Pretty. They love to have the latest prints and like having an audience. Just like a lion, Leos are very proud of their 'mane' of hair. Expect big hair styles, full of volume. Although Leos like to stand out, they also like praise, so they tend to stick to the rules. Leos are also big lovers of jewellery. Gold tones are a must-have for Leos, so I made sure to include plenty of gold in this outfit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Sagittarius</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CsU0Fx-9V6Y/VY1vzKvoJ6I/AAAAAAAAHro/7WV8-78Qx58/s1600/sagitarius.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CsU0Fx-9V6Y/VY1vzKvoJ6I/AAAAAAAAHro/7WV8-78Qx58/s320/sagitarius.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sagittarius lolitas love freedom. They love to explore and hate boredom. Nature is especially appealing to them, so the Sagittarius lolita is probably the most likely to be inspired by mori girl. I originally considered doing an explorer themed pirate lolita for Sagittarius, but in the end nature won out! Purple is the colour associated with Sagittarius, so I knew right away which dress to choose. They also love layers, but they should be soft and comfortable. I felt the soft bustle on the front of the dress and the chiffon blouse would reflect this. Brown is another colour favoured by Sagittarius and I feel these boots were the perfect choice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, I hope you enjoyed the first installment. I will try to get the other 3 installments out as quickly as possible. Although I don't follow horoscopes, I do find the zodiac signs fascinating. I really hope I captured the fire signs well.</div><br />Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-4975425324875271162017-10-23T02:56:00.000-07:002017-10-23T02:56:46.595-07:00Toy Circus by Angelic Pretty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today I am looking at Toy Circus by Angelic Pretty. This series includes 2 dresses, socks and a head bow. Some complimenting blouses and cutsews were also released at the same time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LGwUOXbaVKQ/Weh51T6iyVI/AAAAAAAAKVE/NXnEnYfglO8UpAfwFrUYnSQPhz2UzopRQCLcBGAs/s1600/toycirc1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LGwUOXbaVKQ/Weh51T6iyVI/AAAAAAAAKVE/NXnEnYfglO8UpAfwFrUYnSQPhz2UzopRQCLcBGAs/s320/toycirc1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First is the OP. The bodice seems a bit loose and baggy, or that is at least the impression I get. I think the overall shape is interesting though. It has been designed to look like a bustier JSK with a chiffon blouse and a collar. The chiffon 'blouse' part is quite pretty. I like the amount of puffiness to the sleeves and the way the cuffs are gathered. The bows and gold trim of the cuffs looks really neat too. I just feel that the 'bustier' part of the bodice could have been better fitted. Perhaps it is because of the material choice? There is a waist bow, which I think is a little too big. It has a lot of detail to it though, and I like the fancy shape. The gold braid on the bow really helps to emphasize the intricate shape. Sadly, this waist bow does not appear to be detachable, which I feel would have been a good option to have. The bodice is broken up with some vertical lines of lace. This lace is pretty and of a good quality. It also sits well on the dress. Then in the middle we have some cris-crossed&nbsp; gold braid forming a diamond pattern, which is topped with golden emblem themed buttons. These details are well executed, although I personally feel there are a few too many buttons. There is then a solid coloured collar and bow. I appreciate that the collar is meant to look like a clown ruffle, but I feel it looks too stiff. It looks more like something you would see on a nun's outfit than on a clown. Maybe if it was ruffled instead of pleated it would have worked better. I am a fan of the bow though, so I am glad that both the collar and the bow are not only detachable, but also detachable from each other. So if you wanted to remove the collar but still keep the bow, you can! That is how I would wear it if I owned this dress. The back offers no shirring, so size flexibility is very limited. The stock photos show that the skirt looks very plump and nicely rounded. It looks very full and well suited for sweet lolita. The skirt is kept simple in design, so the print is displayed beautifully. The bottom hem is then finished off neatly with a line of lace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1FeYGFX6rc/Weh51fEX00I/AAAAAAAAKVA/B8tIdX7nYd0bl4T98HA5ow4x7_pnPmjiACLcBGAs/s1600/toycirc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1FeYGFX6rc/Weh51fEX00I/AAAAAAAAKVA/B8tIdX7nYd0bl4T98HA5ow4x7_pnPmjiACLcBGAs/s320/toycirc2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the JSK. The bodice material again looks a bit loose (again, I think this is down to the fabric AP have chosen) but the overall bodice shape is quite cute. The straps are a suitable width and look quite supportive. They are lined with gold lace, gathered lace and a chiffon ruffle. This sounds like it would be overkill, but I think AP have managed to pull it off. The parts are well gathered and shaped. It compliments the waistline ruffles well. As mentioned, there are indeed ruffles going along the waist, which are made of chiffon. These add quite a bit of volume to the waistline, which is why I think it is a shame that the bodice material is so loose. It would have been nice to have the contrast between well fitted and to then have these voluminous waist ruffles. But this is just a minor nit-pick. As for the waist ruffles themselves, I really love them. They are shaped and gathered perfectly and sit well on top of each other. The gold lace lining the ruffles is a lovely finishing touch too. The bodice is set out in a very similar way to the OP bodice. Again, I feel there are too many buttons, but the lace and braid is generally well set out. The neckline is finished off with a gathered ruffle of lace and a bow. This bow is a suitable size and shape. It is very firm and holds its shape well. I wouldn't have bothered with the star buttons on the bow though, as they just make the bow look a little bit fussy and crowded. The back is fully shirred, which means loads of size flexibility but also that the shirring is left exposed. The stock photos show that the skirt is really full and flares outwards plenty. I love the shape created in the stock photos and I think it has a lot of potential. Waist ruffles aside, the skirt is kept very simple, so the print is displayed wonderfully. The bottom hem is then finished off neatly with a line of star themed lace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykajf0xAciI/Weh5405E0FI/AAAAAAAAKVI/LOzqaXV5J58u6Auya8Eem8MLM8G9qdqfgCLcBGAs/s1600/Untitled-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="790" height="202" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykajf0xAciI/Weh5405E0FI/AAAAAAAAKVI/LOzqaXV5J58u6Auya8Eem8MLM8G9qdqfgCLcBGAs/s320/Untitled-1.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, here we have the print. As we can see, this series comes in blue, wine, green and black. These are pretty standard colour choices for whenever AP does a circus themed print and once again they all work very well. The dark colours compliment the gold accents in the print. As for the print, it is well executed but I am getting a strong sense of deja vu looking at it. If it wasn't for the harlequin colomns in between the toys, I would have easily mistaken this for AP's Toy March print. In fact, the toys in this new print are almost identical (there is no squirrel this time though). It is still a very well drawn print though. I really like the bunny riding the moon. That is my favourite part. The biggest variation with this print is the inclusion of the circus tent tops, which serves as a great way to break up the border from the non-border part of the print, and the diamond background. I really like these details, especially the diamonds, so I am inclined to like this print a bit more than Toy March. It is still disappointing when AP keep churning out similar looking prints though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So this is quite a good series but once again, Angelic Pretty lose points for lack of originality. I personally don't feel that the changed details in the print are enough to make it different enough from previous AP circus prints. But if this does not concern you, it is a pretty decent looking series. There are things I would change about the dresses (mostly the OP) but they are generally well executed designs. This is not a series that I would buy personally, but that is because I am not really a big fan of toy prints anyway. My top choice would be the JSK in black.&nbsp;</div><br />Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-57799114656800456582017-10-19T03:00:00.000-07:002017-10-19T03:00:14.837-07:00How I Brainstorm OutfitsFirstly, I must apologise. This post was supposed to be a video instead of a text post (which would have made it easier to elaborate on my points, but I will try my best to explain everything) but due to some bad timing, I am unable to make a video. I had to come off my medication for a medical examination and as a result, I have had bad acid reflux and keep losing my voice. So it is a bit difficult to project my voice for recording a video at the moment.<br /><br />So a couple of weeks back I received a question from somebody asking me how I go about creating my outfits. I figured it would be a good idea to show you the thought process I go through whenever I get a new piece. I really wish more lolitas would do posts like this. It is fascinating to see how the minds of other lolitas tick!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8GfWHLBXw8/Wd3upUnS7II/AAAAAAAAKUw/MgQ-Dv73ADwEe1LZAfEsmLCLhoBRv7WqQCLcBGAs/s1600/106_3213.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1177" data-original-width="1600" height="235" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8GfWHLBXw8/Wd3upUnS7II/AAAAAAAAKUw/MgQ-Dv73ADwEe1LZAfEsmLCLhoBRv7WqQCLcBGAs/s320/106_3213.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So today I am taking you through what I did when I received my Le Miroir bird print skirt in the mail. This is essentially how I do things for every new piece I get. In some places my brainstorm may seem a bit basic, but the point is that I have a written record that I can refer back to. Any fancy, elaborate stuff can be added afterwards when I am feeling a bit more adventurous.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etBD9sS0NoU/Wd3uoLuhTTI/AAAAAAAAKUc/_XX4Pv9gU4EFwc5_xLxnQYTs8pXoYFkjwCLcBGAs/s1600/106_3216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etBD9sS0NoU/Wd3uoLuhTTI/AAAAAAAAKUc/_XX4Pv9gU4EFwc5_xLxnQYTs8pXoYFkjwCLcBGAs/s320/106_3216.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So firstly, what type of lolita am I aiming for when I make an outfit with this piece? This is important because obviously if you have a dark or gothic piece for example, you probably want to be keeping those cutesy details at bay. For this skirt I have gone for sweet/classic, as I feel this skirt straddles both styles (probably leaning slightly more towards sweet). I also get quite an Otome feel from this skirt, so I added that on as a potential extra area to explore in the future.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, how fancy is the skirt? Some pieces are simply too plain for an OTT outfit and others are too OTT to be toned down for more casual everyday wear. So I like to make sure I know whereabouts on the Fancy scale my pieces lie. Here I have made a note to say that this skirt could be dressed up a bit, but it is leaning more towards the casual side of things (especially being a skirt, rather than a dress, which tend to have a more casual feel anyway). So I know that I could wear this skirt to something like a local community meet and on a day-to-day basis, but I would not necessarily wear it to a massive gathering with big guests where people tend to wear their best outfits.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKQlddYMoJc/Wd3uoOoq0bI/AAAAAAAAKUg/gDm20WR6JTUIFw1YgINO22RMHAtiWHOegCEwYBhgL/s1600/106_3215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKQlddYMoJc/Wd3uoOoq0bI/AAAAAAAAKUg/gDm20WR6JTUIFw1YgINO22RMHAtiWHOegCEwYBhgL/s320/106_3215.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next I will look at the colours. I feel it is a good idea to divide the colours in to main colours and other colours (smaller uses of colour on the piece) because it helps me when I am trying to work out colour balancing. The main colours are where I will start considering items such as blouses and shoes. I will be looking through my wardrobe to see what basics match the skirt. It is also a good idea to try and find a good, solid basic colour that is typically easy to co-ordinate with. Colours like white, black or ivory fit this category. So for this skirt, I have off-white. I have a lot of off-white items in my wardrobe, so now I can go through my blouses etc to see what matches, always keeping in mind the style I am aiming for (such as sweet) in mind as I look through. Then we move on to the smaller colours. These are colours that I may consider adding to my outfit, but are not overly dominant in the outfit. So it could be that I have a small accessory that is on one of these lesser colours or a larger accessory may feature a small bit of these colours. As the birds on this skirt are very colourful, I have a fair few options to choose from! You may also see that I have added some notes next to some of the colours. For example, I have put 'dull tone' next to the gold, because that way I will hopefully avoid choosing golds which are too bright. As Otome can feature clashing colours, I could also consider what additional colours I could add to the colours I already have.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xnxADQ3rdEc/Wd3uo-z8fmI/AAAAAAAAKUk/Vra94ZBL0fclCPkuEHJaJ4x4rGfivm-ogCEwYBhgL/s1600/106_3217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xnxADQ3rdEc/Wd3uo-z8fmI/AAAAAAAAKUk/Vra94ZBL0fclCPkuEHJaJ4x4rGfivm-ogCEwYBhgL/s320/106_3217.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then we move on to themes. So this skirt features birds, berries and flowers. When I am listing themes, I will see if there is any way I can extend on these themes further. So for birds, I have listed cages, feathers and wings. This is because these are things that you may typically associate with birds and so it connects back to the main theme of birds. Perhaps there is an accessory in my wardrobe that features these smaller details, such as the feathers? It is around this point that I will really start to focus on what accessories and jewelry I can add.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDaXqW8O7CA/Wd3upB8HQMI/AAAAAAAAKUo/Qxs-5OiF5i0RG2_bM2e4PL0vLGMQRpkYgCEwYBhgL/s1600/106_3218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDaXqW8O7CA/Wd3upB8HQMI/AAAAAAAAKUo/Qxs-5OiF5i0RG2_bM2e4PL0vLGMQRpkYgCEwYBhgL/s320/106_3218.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then if I am still feeling uninspired, I will look in to broader patterns and motifs on the skirt. So this skirt features vertical stripes. If I don't have any suitable bird themed items, I may consider going for stripy items instead. There are bows on the lace, so I can consider wearing items which feature bows. My shoes may have a bow on them, for example. I also added hearts to this list, but they are quite small and hidden in the print. So if I were to add these to the outfit, I would keep them small and subtle.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLIUTWfk8uU/Wd3up9kZUtI/AAAAAAAAKUs/aWaOrTOSICoqeKS7IRR-5tjUQkW4ZJkHQCEwYBhgL/s1600/106_3219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLIUTWfk8uU/Wd3up9kZUtI/AAAAAAAAKUs/aWaOrTOSICoqeKS7IRR-5tjUQkW4ZJkHQCEwYBhgL/s320/106_3219.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, I will take some photos of items laying on top of each other so I can get a good visual idea of how well they go. It doesn't matter if they don't match in these photos, because the point is that we have that visual representation to refer back to and it saves us from digging out items at a later date which we know may not match. So for this photo I have tried some leg wear with my skirt. By taking this photo I have discovered that the flowers on both pairs of socks may not be ideal for this skirt, as the pink of the skirt is a lot more dusky. But I have not completely written off the AP socks on the right, because the flowers are pale and subtle enough that I might just be able to get away with wearing them. Plus the cage on those socks goes brilliantly. These are all things to bear in mind before I go completely dismissing them. Plus, I now have this photo I can go back to and reconsider at a later date. This leg wear photo is just one example and I will sometimes take photos for all sorts of things like accessories. I have albums full of 'floordinate' shots!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So that is about the general gist of how I go from buying a piece to making an outfit. I have tried to be as detailed as possible. I am just sorry that I was unable to make a video for this. This is the method I use quite frequently and the photos offer a bit of trial-and-error. At this brainstorming stage it doesn't matter so much if things do not match. We are trying things out and at this point it can be fun to get a bit more daring and experimental. I hope you have found this helpful!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-73695347676010460852017-10-16T02:48:00.000-07:002017-10-16T02:48:52.025-07:00Lady Victorian Rose Jewelry by Baby the Stars Shine BrightToday I am looking at Lady Victorian Rose Jewelry by Baby the Stars Shine Bright. This series includes 3 dresses, 6 hair accessories, 2 lace robes and 2 blouses.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0oVqbpd5ZLE/WdyhzR-ksfI/AAAAAAAAKT0/9S51Z8F35kgL1ZS3IlzIProYqyQxftazACLcBGAs/s1600/ladyvic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0oVqbpd5ZLE/WdyhzR-ksfI/AAAAAAAAKT0/9S51Z8F35kgL1ZS3IlzIProYqyQxftazACLcBGAs/s320/ladyvic1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First is the Long JSK. The bodice seems very well fitted and the shape is very pretty. I think the straps are a suitable width too, although I am a bit unsure about the wide lace used on the outsides of the straps and the neckline. It is of a good quality, but I think it needs to be reined in a bit, as it comes across as a bit messy. The bodice features 2 ribbon corsets on either side. Despite the ribbon being quite bunched together, I am a fan of this detail. The ribbon has a pretty design, albeit a bit shiny, and I think the final look of the ribbon corsets is quite stunning. It reminds me a lot of the bodice of one of the Fragrant Rose Memories JSKs. The ribbon corsets are lined with lace, which keeps the edges looking tidy. There is a line of pearly buttons going up the middle, which are well spaced out. The bodice is roughly divided in to two parts, with the chest area being slightly gathered. This is split with another line of ribbon and a bow. The bow shape is quite simple, but given how busy the rest of the bodice is this may actually work in its favour. It sits nicely on the dress as well. I think the gathering on the chest area has been done okay. Personally, I would have liked more gathering. I really like the ruffle along the neckline though. It is so frilly looking and has an interesting texture. The back has a panel of shirring, which is topped neatly with a ribbon corset. The stock photos show that the skirt has a lot of volume and it flares out reasonably well. As the name suggests, this skirt is indeed very long. It has a good amount of length to it and almost reaches Midori's ankles in the model photos. The bottom hem is raised to reveal an under-skirt underneath. I am not sure I like the shape of the line between the main dress and the under-skirt. In some of the photos it looks okay, but in others I think it looks too straight and should curve a bit more. Despite the under-skirt taking up a large proportion of the front of the skirt, the print is still pretty decently displayed. The under-skirt tiers are layered neatly and are well proportioned. I could take or leave the lacy details on the top tiers, but otherwise I think the under-skirt looks amazing. There are some small ribbon bows as well, which is a lovely finishing touch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQtO_pDb7C8/WdyhzZO2J7I/AAAAAAAAKT4/NKAyohOTWFcZ6Ud-DXLsV3DChhOE2vQ0wCLcBGAs/s1600/ladyvic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQtO_pDb7C8/WdyhzZO2J7I/AAAAAAAAKT4/NKAyohOTWFcZ6Ud-DXLsV3DChhOE2vQ0wCLcBGAs/s320/ladyvic2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next we have the Princess JSK. The bodice looks well fitted, but I think the bodice shape is a bit weird. It is almost as if the neckline is too high? It makes the dress look a bit stuffy and uncomfortable. I also think the straps look a bit too thin and they are left plain, which is disappointing. The ruffle along the neckline is beautiful though, and helps to soften things a great deal. The bodice is divided up in to panels, which are marked out with lines of thin lace with gold braid threaded through it. I think this looks quite smart, but in comparison to the details on the other JSK it feels a bit underwhelming. There is a vertical panel going up the middle, which is lined neatly with wider lace. This lace is of a good quality and sits well on the dress. At either end of this panel is a ribbon bow. Again, the ribbon used is a bit shiny, but the size of the bows is good. Although the shape of the bows is a bit simple, I think it works well. The back offers a panel of shirring, which is again topped neatly with a ribbon corset. The stock photos show that the skirt is plump with volume and it flares outwards a lot. I really love the full, rounded shape created in the stock photos. There is a bustle on the front of the skirt. I like that the bow at the waist conceals the top of it. The bustle tiers have been well spaced out, although I think the width of the bustle could have been a bit wider. I like the soft chiffon used, but the lace overlay used on the bustle looks really cheap in my opinion. It sadly looks really tacky. Also, some of the tiers have been over-stitched and I think under-stitching would have looked tidier. Despite the bustle being there, you can still see the print pretty clearly at the sides. The bottom hem is then finished off with a chiffon ruffle, which helps to finish off the bustle neatly.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-df48aJUOp7A/Wdyhze8Y6dI/AAAAAAAAKT8/5n2OdsVPFmYSULOPAHExtwafzURVIX4fACLcBGAs/s1600/ladyvic3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-df48aJUOp7A/Wdyhze8Y6dI/AAAAAAAAKT8/5n2OdsVPFmYSULOPAHExtwafzURVIX4fACLcBGAs/s320/ladyvic3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the OP. The bodice looks well fitted and the overall bodice shape is very dressy. I sort of feel like the OP is more worthy of the name Princess than the JSK. The neckline could have been a little bit lower, but otherwise I am impressed with the shape. The sleeves are full with the chiffon parts at the bottom having an interesting bell shape. I love the use of lace on the sleeves too. My only complaint about the sleeves is the ribbon bows. There are simply too many of them and I also think they are a bit too big anyway. The bows on the shoulders really need to go. The bodice features a solid coloured opening, which then goes down the skirt with lots of layers near the bottom. On the bodice there is a line of pearl buttons on this part, which are well spaced out. There are also 2 ribbon bows on the waistline on either side of the solid part, which look pretty. I would have probably liked these waist ribbons better though if there were less bows on the sleeves and elsewhere on the dress. There is a large bow on the chest area which is made from the printed fabric. I like that this bow is made from the printed fabric, as that means it blends in to the background a bit more and so the massive size of this bow is less obvious. Despite not being a fan of its size, I do like how this bow has been shaped. It looks very interesting. It is finished off with a fake rose, which I personally feel could have been of a better quality, but it looks passable. The neckline features many lines of lace and chiffon, which are expertly layered. It looks really neat and has the most fantastic texture to it. The back offers no shirring, so size flexibility is very limited. The stock photos show that the skirt has plenty of volume and flares outwards brilliantly. It should hold an ample amount of petticoat. Aside from the opening at the front, there is also a lacy over-skirt which goes about a quarter of the way down the skirt. This lace over-skirt is my absolute favourite thing about this entire dress. It looks stunning. It is really delicate looking and pretty. I also think it compliments the neckline details well. It ends far enough up the skirt so that it doesn't conceal the print at all and it is well shaped. The opening on the skirt again features that cheap looking lace fabric, which is a huge disappointment. Some of the ruffles near the bottom have been over-stitched as well, which I am not a fan of. The chiffon going along the bottom hem is pretty though. Apart from the opening at the front, the print is otherwise displayed very beautifully at the sides. There are then some further ribbon bows near the bottom. In comparison to the bow overload on the bodice and sleeves, I actually don't mind these bows on the skirt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDWreIMPDWA/Wdyh0Dy6idI/AAAAAAAAKUA/GM6IgZpZw3sIZLHfLdmEgsIQ4Jh7f_AKwCLcBGAs/s1600/ladyvic4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDWreIMPDWA/Wdyh0Dy6idI/AAAAAAAAKUA/GM6IgZpZw3sIZLHfLdmEgsIQ4Jh7f_AKwCLcBGAs/s320/ladyvic4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, here is one part of the print...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKTrskihPso/Wdyh0f2WpPI/AAAAAAAAKUE/SKDn36Q2l_8imTB068PCypzg3TknqYNMgCLcBGAs/s1600/ladyvic5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKTrskihPso/Wdyh0f2WpPI/AAAAAAAAKUE/SKDn36Q2l_8imTB068PCypzg3TknqYNMgCLcBGAs/s320/ladyvic5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">... and another shot of the entire print. This series comes in ivory, pink, green and beige. These are all quite soft, delicate colours but given the style of the print I can completely understand why Baby chose them. My only slight criticism is that I think the green is a little too bright and I don't think the grey ribbon with this colour way quite works. As for the print, it is a bit of a jumble. The border is cluttered with loads of photographs in frames and a lot of flowers. The photos and the frames themselves look okay, as do the roses, which are drawn beautifully. But there is also a lot of random clutter going on. There are feathery wings, earrings, ornate bows, small flying animals, more random feathers flying about and single rose petals. It is quite chaotic! It sort of reminds me of when you go to grandma's house or a particularly eccentric charity shop. I am not really a fan of the pearl chains on the non-border part of the print either. These chains look a bit too flat and the addition of diamantes to these chains make them look cheap.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I get the impression that Baby wanted to do a series similar to Fragrant Rose Memories (arguably one of their best ever and most popular prints) but a little bit sweeter. However, there are aspects of this series which slightly miss the mark. I don't think the print is quite as appealing. Also there are aspects to the dress designs which I think have room for improvement. So this is not a series that I personally would buy. My top choice would be the Long JSK in beige. It would have been the OP and that awesome lace over-skirt, but the bows really put me off choosing that dress. Still, I can see this series being somewhat successful. It just doesn't measure up to Fragrant Rose Memories in my opinion.</div><br />Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-54166960405564826642017-10-12T02:55:00.001-07:002017-10-12T02:55:29.448-07:00September 2017 Haul- Casual Bits and Bobs Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy Shopping! Knowing that I will probably have to start thinking about Christmas present planning soon (urgh...) I decided to try and get one last haul in before all the holiday madness kicks in. The under-current of this month's haul was 'Will I, or Won't I?' because of customs fees, but I spread out my ordering so that I was always prepared to get hit. Luckily, only my Lolita Desu order got hit. Anyway, these are the J-fashion related items I purchased...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nYSKwANnQic/WdaGd94RJ7I/AAAAAAAAKSQ/Zhp3Is45tI8z60bKG-bd0ivx4pYhot9vQCLcBGAs/s1600/106_3113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nYSKwANnQic/WdaGd94RJ7I/AAAAAAAAKSQ/Zhp3Is45tI8z60bKG-bd0ivx4pYhot9vQCLcBGAs/s320/106_3113.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First today is a bag I ordered from Spreepicky. I would have ordered this bag from Taobao, but I was having difficulties locating it. So Spreepicky was the easier (although slightly more expensive) option. But the service was very convenient. I went for Airmail rather than EMS, because the EMS fees seemed ridiculous for ordering just one bag. This meant shipping was a little bit slower, but my bag arrived well within the estimated shipping time. The bag was well packed and there was a protective mesh bag inside for extra protection.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-weElwDPA_ys/WdaGd3dYvmI/AAAAAAAAKSM/-T88p4ILzlAWwYipiV_Bzcu30lHEaNPrgCLcBGAs/s1600/106_3115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-weElwDPA_ys/WdaGd3dYvmI/AAAAAAAAKSM/-T88p4ILzlAWwYipiV_Bzcu30lHEaNPrgCLcBGAs/s320/106_3115.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I absolutely adore this tarot card design! The embroidery parts are done neatly and the design is very crisp. I was torn between ordering the white or black bag, but I am happy with my choice. I like the gold colour on the white version.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0lAeeh7EO-Q/WdaGefcBCoI/AAAAAAAAKSU/_sgNFANBDu4u0l_IaWjltnYBtkSFMNG1wCLcBGAs/s1600/106_3116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0lAeeh7EO-Q/WdaGefcBCoI/AAAAAAAAKSU/_sgNFANBDu4u0l_IaWjltnYBtkSFMNG1wCLcBGAs/s320/106_3116.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bag is fastened with one simple popper. This is probably the biggest disadvantage to this bag. It doesn't feel overly secure and there are open bits at either end. This means that I probably wont be able to use this bag in very wet weather, as the rain will just enter the bag at the ends.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZgUxa6cSAs/WdaGe4IMBiI/AAAAAAAAKSY/ObODD1fu4DMNmOSWSr0YrlLqCy8vUt_bgCLcBGAs/s1600/106_3117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nZgUxa6cSAs/WdaGe4IMBiI/AAAAAAAAKSY/ObODD1fu4DMNmOSWSr0YrlLqCy8vUt_bgCLcBGAs/s320/106_3117.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The bag is of a reasonable size. It is meant to be a clutch bag. When fully opened up, I was able to fit 3 fingers width inside. So it is big enough to hold the absolute essentials, but not a lot else. The bag is well lined and has an inner pocket. I was also impressed that the bag didn't have any strange odors coming from it, as a lot of my Taobao bags have been a bit dodgy smelling on arrival. The little silicone packet inside was obviously doing its job well!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2w3tjjvM9g4/WdaGfXyc5_I/AAAAAAAAKSc/RtNK9a0JOxwASWzwYPCMalysURbO-_AxgCLcBGAs/s1600/106_3118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2w3tjjvM9g4/WdaGfXyc5_I/AAAAAAAAKSc/RtNK9a0JOxwASWzwYPCMalysURbO-_AxgCLcBGAs/s320/106_3118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The strap and chain feel very sturdy and I think it will hold up well. It is a decent length and there is a bit of room for length adjustment too. I am now debating whether or not I want this bag in black... I was given a store discount coupon, although it doesn't last very long. I would say this bag was worth the price paid, even if I could have gotten it a little bit cheaper with better Taobao sleuthing.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also placed an order with Lolita Desu, as there were a few bits there which caught my eye. I got a few bits to make the order and shipping price more worth it. I went with Airmail again, which was just a few days longer than I would expect if I had gone with EMS. The tracking still worked, so I was happy with the service. Also, because I am a repeat customer, I got a slight discount. Nice bonus!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6kkxj5gdYAk/WdaGfvmP2aI/AAAAAAAAKSg/pZI6bE-4uho9Gez41ESIb-kGuFe4gYOegCLcBGAs/s1600/106_3156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6kkxj5gdYAk/WdaGfvmP2aI/AAAAAAAAKSg/pZI6bE-4uho9Gez41ESIb-kGuFe4gYOegCLcBGAs/s320/106_3156.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This order was also well padded and wrapped up. I even got a little thank you note, sticker and free candy in the order (although I purchased the Blueberry Cheesecake Chupa Chup because we don't have that flavour in the UK and it sounded nice). This made the order feel a little bit more personal, which is unusual for a company of this size.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJtPg-rZ7nY/WdaGfxNhxKI/AAAAAAAAKSk/HN3-HetVw9QG2nLVqhd395tFWK6uC5__gCLcBGAs/s1600/106_3160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJtPg-rZ7nY/WdaGfxNhxKI/AAAAAAAAKSk/HN3-HetVw9QG2nLVqhd395tFWK6uC5__gCLcBGAs/s320/106_3160.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first thing I got was this Strawberry Jam Jar brooch which is by Swimmer. I really am going to miss Swimmer now they are closed... Their accessories were so affordable and the designs were very cute. This brooch was quite well made. The embroidery is well executed. I love the little details such as the ribbon and bow on the lid. There is even a little fake pearl on the polka dot bow. The stitching around the edge keeps things neat. As this is a felt brooch, the material is quite flimsy and bends easily. But with reasonable usage, this is not really an issue. The back has a simple badge pin. A 2-way clip on the back would have been a nice touch, but I am happy with just the badge option. I will be keeping my eye out for more Swimmer goodies on Lolita Desu in the future, as they seem to get quite a lot of their stuff and I imagine it will get harder to find as time goes on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_DpzxBaljs/WdaGgGAM8sI/AAAAAAAAKSo/Hd55jSOxQM4N0JjVxoDJHnj_I3Rn4bhDwCLcBGAs/s1600/106_3179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_DpzxBaljs/WdaGgGAM8sI/AAAAAAAAKSo/Hd55jSOxQM4N0JjVxoDJHnj_I3Rn4bhDwCLcBGAs/s320/106_3179.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also got this skirt by E Hyphen World Gallery. This was out of curiosity more than anything else, because it was super cheap and this is my first item from the brand. As I am getting in to Larme more, this is a brand I keep hearing about. The skirt is made out of very stretchy fabric. It reminds me of cutsew style material, but even stretchier and slightly thicker. The colours are really lovely. They remind me of mint ice cream.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eARwfuHBOow/WdaGgLEprnI/AAAAAAAAKSs/ZaagDNRxXV8961XDB8mmvBjwyxE0YWYjwCLcBGAs/s1600/106_3184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eARwfuHBOow/WdaGgLEprnI/AAAAAAAAKSs/ZaagDNRxXV8961XDB8mmvBjwyxE0YWYjwCLcBGAs/s320/106_3184.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is no opening or shirring in the waistband, but it is so stretchy that sizing is not an issue. I had no issue stretching the skirt to get it on. It probably wouldn't be ideal for larger wearers though, even though it can stretch further.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6YOBVvk59e4/WdaGi69c4XI/AAAAAAAAKTE/Vq44gKejunocbmRNDbOjnqrTxy3qKrxGACLcBGAs/s1600/106_3201.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="931" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6YOBVvk59e4/WdaGi69c4XI/AAAAAAAAKTE/Vq44gKejunocbmRNDbOjnqrTxy3qKrxGACLcBGAs/s320/106_3201.png" width="186" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is very fitted and clingy when worn. Obviously I wont be tucking my top in when I wear it properly, as it causes an unsightly bump in the fabric. I am generally quite happy with the skirt for casual wear. My only disappointment is in the length. It ended a lot higher up my leg than I thought it would and I kept having to pull it down at the back. It did keep all the essential bits covered, but I like a little bit of length at the back for added security. The skirt came with the original tags attached, so I could see how much it originally cost. It was quite cheap to begin with, but I admit I wouldn't pay full retail price for this skirt. I am happy with the skirt, but only because of the really low price it was being sold at. It is a fun design though, so I will be keeping an eye on E Hyphen in the future, even though I am not 100% convinced.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9VwuSM4cmz8/WdaGgCI4vnI/AAAAAAAAKSw/gX8TWxq0vE4fBBxpAEDxsYW4mx3ZPvhHACEwYBhgL/s1600/106_3185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9VwuSM4cmz8/WdaGgCI4vnI/AAAAAAAAKSw/gX8TWxq0vE4fBBxpAEDxsYW4mx3ZPvhHACEwYBhgL/s320/106_3185.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, I got a F.i.n.t skirt for casual wear. I first saw this months ago, and the store discount was enough to convince me to take the plunge. The ivory colour was a bit darker than I was expecting, but otherwise I really like the colours. The material this skirt is made of is very strange though. It is very lightweight, but the strange part is that it reminds me of the material used for umbrellas. It has that sort of weird feeling when you touch it.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L4um5GdRGzo/WdaGggkq5jI/AAAAAAAAKS0/zuvIt1GqXywEn0WeW0LjVakaoe0jg_WBwCEwYBhgL/s1600/106_3188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L4um5GdRGzo/WdaGggkq5jI/AAAAAAAAKS0/zuvIt1GqXywEn0WeW0LjVakaoe0jg_WBwCEwYBhgL/s320/106_3188.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I bet you can all guess what drew me to the skirt! I love the print so much. The moons and stars are well dispersed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTOoa8ENT3o/WdaGhGcmGgI/AAAAAAAAKS4/hptjKeZM5pUe1IDpq5eki9h5meR0SrWSACEwYBhgL/s1600/106_3189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTOoa8ENT3o/WdaGhGcmGgI/AAAAAAAAKS4/hptjKeZM5pUe1IDpq5eki9h5meR0SrWSACEwYBhgL/s320/106_3189.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is a ruffle of tulle at the bottom. I am sad that it is left unfinished. Hopefully it wont get damaged. The tulle used also feels quite cheap. This definitely seems to be one of those skirts which looks good, but when you get up close and handle it you realise it is cheap.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ITdpgBl1e4/WdaGhsfR0CI/AAAAAAAAKS8/d2bWHQsW9dw2k7FhHwvTjnIXCECXCdVOACEwYBhgL/s1600/106_3190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1ITdpgBl1e4/WdaGhsfR0CI/AAAAAAAAKS8/d2bWHQsW9dw2k7FhHwvTjnIXCECXCdVOACEwYBhgL/s320/106_3190.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This skirt also doesn't have an opening, but there is shirring this time. It stretches quite far. I found I was able to pull it over my hips with ease with a bit of room to spare.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yo0GpXYX9us/WdaGiNlt_NI/AAAAAAAAKTA/Wti1NN8-7lMLZkxSd6DLIjIgCXe_7QXCACEwYBhgL/s1600/106_3192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yo0GpXYX9us/WdaGiNlt_NI/AAAAAAAAKTA/Wti1NN8-7lMLZkxSd6DLIjIgCXe_7QXCACEwYBhgL/s320/106_3192.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The skirt is lined. Given how cheap some of the other skirt details are, this was a pleasant surprise.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L9Xp3aWYPRs/WdaGjfyBKUI/AAAAAAAAKTI/n8tAxRtfnd4HwLguQQYBsuaP3YlF_0FPQCEwYBhgL/s1600/106_3202.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L9Xp3aWYPRs/WdaGjfyBKUI/AAAAAAAAKTI/n8tAxRtfnd4HwLguQQYBsuaP3YlF_0FPQCEwYBhgL/s320/106_3202.png" width="230" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And a worn photo. The skirt felt comfortable to wear. I was surprised that it almost reached my knees. Seeing this picture, I think I would wear a light petticoat with it. It looks a bit sad and droopy here!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And so ends another haul post without any obvious lolita in it! There hasn't been a great deal available that I have really wanted lately. I am thinking about saving up for a bag that I want, but otherwise I am focusing on casual daily wear more. But as a lover of all things strawberry related, I am sure you will be seeing the brooch in a lolita outfit from me soon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-46084202502033284582017-10-09T02:45:00.000-07:002017-10-09T02:45:52.138-07:00Queen Chocolate by Angelic PrettyToday I am looking at Queen Chocolate by Angelic Pretty. This series includes 2 dresses, 2 hair accessories, a blouse, tights and a rosette.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YX3K96p-BEQ/WdYCy5Ro85I/AAAAAAAAKRs/W_rLxFcijYYocZ2z2bTxPbiom8Zt8iUhQCLcBGAs/s1600/queenchoc1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YX3K96p-BEQ/WdYCy5Ro85I/AAAAAAAAKRs/W_rLxFcijYYocZ2z2bTxPbiom8Zt8iUhQCLcBGAs/s320/queenchoc1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First is the OP. The bodice looks well fitted and the shape is very cute. I really like how the dress has been made to look like a JSK with a blouse underneath. The arms are nice and puffy, with gathered cuffs. It is a lovely contrast to the more fitted bodice. The cuffs feature the chocolate part of the print as well, which is a nice touch. It is a nice bit of continuity but also looks very smart. I like the small ruffle on the cuffs too. There is a waist bow, which I feel is a bit big. But its large size does sort of suit the dress and I am impressed that a big bow like this is able to hold its shape this well. It sits well on the dress and looks very perky. The bodice features some emblem themed gold buttons. Whilst this is a nice idea, it feels a bit too bunched together and cramped. Maybe if the waist bow sat a bit lower and the 'neckline' was a bit higher up the buttons would have a bit more room to properly spread out. The fake halter-neck 'neckline' is well shaped and lined very neatly with a thin line of lace. I like its size too. There is another bow here, but given how large the waist bow is, I think this bow could do with being smaller. The 'blouse' part features several lines of lace, which sit neatly. This lace is of good quality and I love the added texture it gives to the chest area. The collar doesn't look too stiff or uncomfortable. There is also a line of gold buttons and this time they are well spaced out. These buttons are a very simple round design though, which seems in contrast to the emblem buttons lower down. There is also a detachable stripy bow. Although the bow is a cute size and shape, I don't think the use of stripy ribbon works here. There is not enough usage of stripes on the dress to warrant it being there. A solid coloured bow would have made more sense in my opinion. So I think I would definitely detach this bow. The back offers no shirring, so size flexibility is very limited. I am impressed with how neatly AP have lined up the print along the zip line in the stock photos though. The stock photos show that the skirt is plump with volume and it flares outwards brilliantly. I really love the full, rounded shape created here. The skirt is kept quite simple, so the print is displayed wonderfully. There are a couple of stripy bows at the bottom, which I still feel look very out of place. Bows aside, I love the cake themed lace lining the bottom hem.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4lAeZXPAOlk/WdYCy8RrC4I/AAAAAAAAKRw/ZPnLLDvsGf8kU082kFKY0eJFbbtrbQ7RQCLcBGAs/s1600/queenchoc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4lAeZXPAOlk/WdYCy8RrC4I/AAAAAAAAKRw/ZPnLLDvsGf8kU082kFKY0eJFbbtrbQ7RQCLcBGAs/s320/queenchoc2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here we have the JSK. The bodice again looks very well fitted and I think the bodice shape looks quite smart. It is very mature looking with a slight military feel. The straps looks a suitable width and very supportive. I like how the straps feature a 'lapel', which continues down the bodice, giving the bodice a look of a tuxedo jacket. These 'lapels' are lined very neatly with lace, although I think a less 'frilly' lace choice or maybe even braid could have worked better. I am also not convinced I like the positioning of the buttons on the 'lapels'. I do wonder if they could have gone on the middle part of the bodice instead, as they make the 'lapels' look a bit fussy. There is a waist bow, which I think is the perfect size for the dress. It sits well and there are no signs of sagging. There is also a small solid coloured peplum at the waistline. I was initially a bit unsure about this peplum, but I think it makes a nice break in the OTT print. It does help to define the waist a little bit and I also feel it balances out the 'lapels' on the bodice. This peplum is decorated with some lovely lace, although I think the buttons overload the peplum slightly. The back has a panel of shirring, which is topped neatly with a ribbon corset. The stock photos show that once again the skirt is very full and has lots of flare. It will hold a lot of petticoat. The skirt is kept simple, so the print is displayed beautifully. Once again we have some stripy bows on the bottom hem. I think the stripes make even less sense on the JSK, because at least the OP has the other bow to help balance it out. The bottom hem is then finished off neatly with the cake themed lace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2oLrUoINlo/WdYDYbSMD6I/AAAAAAAAKR4/cSNC3mz7alAoIVMexCl1VkVpDnHzIrJxQCLcBGAs/s1600/queenchoc.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="518" height="317" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B2oLrUoINlo/WdYDYbSMD6I/AAAAAAAAKR4/cSNC3mz7alAoIVMexCl1VkVpDnHzIrJxQCLcBGAs/s320/queenchoc.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, we have the print. This series comes in ivory, pink, mint and red. Although the other 3 colours are quite typical for a chocolate print, I think the red colour is the real star of this series. It offers something a bit more unusual, but it also looks quite bold and mature. For some reason, the print feels a bit less busy on the red colour as well. As for the print itself, it is like Chess Chocolate and Wonder Queen had a lovechild. There is nothing particularly new or exciting about this print. The diamonds are set out neatly and the hearts are lovely. I like the piping around the edge of the hearts. The royal themes inside the hearts are well drawn too. But when you look at the print on the dresses, it just feels far too OTT. I think for me, the part of the print I dislike is the wide vertical bars of chocolate. I personally think this print would be nicer if it just had the diamond part of the print and didn't bother with the hearts or wide stripes of chocolate at all. It would look a lot less cluttered with just the diamond part, but still very bold and striking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is well known that Angelic Pretty chocolate prints are usually very popular. Therefore, it is very telling that all of the dresses for this series are still available a week after being released. I think it is because the print looks too cluttered and overall, the designs are very OTT and overwhelming. I also feel that AP have gotten a bit too repetitive with their chocolate prints lately. So it is safe to say that I would not buy this series. My top choice would be the JSK in either red or possibly the ivory. Sadly, I think this series is a bit too try-hard. If it had been simpler, I think this series would have sold out quickly.</div><br />Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-41898245077702919922017-10-05T02:46:00.000-07:002017-10-05T02:46:35.823-07:00Artist Inspired Outfits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So this post is actually a couple of months old, but I completely forgot to post it at the time. I hope you all enjoy it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Taobao brands love to throw the odd curve ball now and then. It usually gets given a lot of 'ha ha' reactions when it gets posted to Lolita Updates on Facebook and you will get a few who love it enough to actually go ahead and buy it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dGNPBs7oyHw/WdS-7NL6fgI/AAAAAAAAKRA/NH6ioK4_Z0cjQOxpCgStuOWgDrcsiA0nACLcBGAs/s1600/vincentgoat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dGNPBs7oyHw/WdS-7NL6fgI/AAAAAAAAKRA/NH6ioK4_Z0cjQOxpCgStuOWgDrcsiA0nACLcBGAs/s320/vincentgoat.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My initial reaction to seeing Vincent Van Goat by Cherry Bomb was to laugh. The idea of an artist depicted as a goat seemed like such a bizarre thing to put on a lolita dress! And yet, I find it weirdly endearing. It could certainly be worked in to a serious lolita outfit without looking too comical. It also reminded me of the Juliette et Justine painting dresses, but this dress is a much different take on art inspired lolita.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I saw this dapper goat dressed as Vincent van Gogh I wondered to myself how various different artists would look if they were to wear lolita. So just for fun I have created outfit collages inspired by different artists. This is how I imagine the artists themselves would want to wear lolita.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Degas</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sr86fjCq65k/WdS_GwZLo1I/AAAAAAAAKRE/0qEfKXjWbi0pk-EkofMGtGl1jsr_l8KwwCLcBGAs/s1600/degasoutfit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="500" height="256" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sr86fjCq65k/WdS_GwZLo1I/AAAAAAAAKRE/0qEfKXjWbi0pk-EkofMGtGl1jsr_l8KwwCLcBGAs/s320/degasoutfit.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I couldn't do this post without including my absolute favourite artist (there is a new exhibition in London on his work soon and I am very excited!). As he painted a lot of ballerinas, that was the obvious direction to go in here. I initially was going to do an outfit with the Emily Temple Cute Toe Shoes JSK, but I didn't feel the available colours truly reflected Degas. His colours are more soft and muted. So I decided to choose a dress that is soft and floaty with a lot of movement to represent the dancers. Therefore, I went with this Juliette et Justine chiffon dress. The rest was relatively simple. A lot of the ballerinas in his works feature floral hair pieces, but nothing too big (they have to be suitable for dancing in, after all). The tights may not be very practical, but I thought plain tights were a bit too bare.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Klimt</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZNWy-OWkHQ/WdS_G4-uzbI/AAAAAAAAKRM/fU-OEXaNr_8c-ytvENB4R9CgrmZtxYe1ACLcBGAs/s1600/klimtoutfit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="500" height="256" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZNWy-OWkHQ/WdS_G4-uzbI/AAAAAAAAKRM/fU-OEXaNr_8c-ytvENB4R9CgrmZtxYe1ACLcBGAs/s320/klimtoutfit.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will be honest here- I have never been a fan of Klimt, but I happened to stumble across the dress in this collage at random. When I saw it I instantly thought of the backgrounds of a lot of Klimt pieces. His work features a lot of black and gold. There is also a lot of swirls and trees. I tried to imagine what his muse from The Kiss would wear. For a Klimt outfit I think an up do is best for the hair and maybe some coral lipstick.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Roy Lichtenstein</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4cBD4PTt5U/WdS_G1ugTQI/AAAAAAAAKRI/xn0d0Cx0zNAWEqTM1DENOBjAZzhqHwHLACLcBGAs/s1600/lichoutfit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="500" height="256" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4cBD4PTt5U/WdS_G1ugTQI/AAAAAAAAKRI/xn0d0Cx0zNAWEqTM1DENOBjAZzhqHwHLACLcBGAs/s320/lichoutfit.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first of two Pop Art artists I am looking at today. Lichtenstein's works feature loads of polka dots. Dolly Dot felt like the most obvious dress choice. I tried to keep the retro and kitsch vibe going throughout the outfit. I think the key thing here is bold, yet simple. And lots and lots of dots!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>L. S. Lowry</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mqIeQmFgHxM/WdS_HqcHPaI/AAAAAAAAKRQ/5NDqb9IS2SUX75C5v9kuGcZ_MHQdMA6lACLcBGAs/s1600/lowryoutfit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="500" height="256" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mqIeQmFgHxM/WdS_HqcHPaI/AAAAAAAAKRQ/5NDqb9IS2SUX75C5v9kuGcZ_MHQdMA6lACLcBGAs/s320/lowryoutfit.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I included Lowry because I studied him when I was in primary school! For those of you who don't know his work, he is from Manchester and he painted a lot of industrial scenes. The figures in his paintings were also known for wearing clogs, hence the inclusion of them. He used a lot of muted, neutral tones and browns. As business men in suits feature a fair bit, it seemed fitting to include a bowler hat and bow tie! I was going to include a briefcase as well, but I was unable to find one that matched well enough. Hopefully you get the general gist of what I was aiming for!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Monet</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2BYPJgy4IsI/WdS_H07yvRI/AAAAAAAAKRU/e-bNj-UO8FggKPyLJSc8zc9yJMCEGxo0gCLcBGAs/s1600/monetoutfit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="500" height="256" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2BYPJgy4IsI/WdS_H07yvRI/AAAAAAAAKRU/e-bNj-UO8FggKPyLJSc8zc9yJMCEGxo0gCLcBGAs/s320/monetoutfit.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I remember when Baby's Labyrinth print first came out that I instantly thought of Monet when I saw it. It features a scene by water and the details are a little bit blurry ( which I feel reflected his short-sightedness in later life). This outfit was inspired by what I felt a young maiden walking through his paintings would be likely to wear. I imagined a massive floppy bergere hat, a parasol to protect them from the sun and extravagant sleeves. Also, I finally found a pair of sax blue shoes which are not tea parties, so that was a personal achievement as well!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Warhol</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LeI5u2zRyrM/WdS_IPcSn6I/AAAAAAAAKRY/bFcS7z65YK0Rc95FU-AWTyxsJGC7QjEPACLcBGAs/s1600/warholoutfit.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="500" height="256" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LeI5u2zRyrM/WdS_IPcSn6I/AAAAAAAAKRY/bFcS7z65YK0Rc95FU-AWTyxsJGC7QjEPACLcBGAs/s320/warholoutfit.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, I decided to do an outfit for Andy Warhol. I think Warhol would have leaned more towards Otome. You can't really have a Warhol outfit without a cool beret and thin turtleneck. The look is very 60's art scene. Whilst fruit-wise Warhol is probably better connected to bananas, alas this is not a theme which appears in Japanese fashion very much! So I took the safer option of going for cherries. The dress features fruit cans, which is a small nod to Warhol's famous soup can work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So that is what I came up with. I tried to do artists which were a bit different to the typical painting dresses we are used to seeing in the fashion. My favourite is the Warhol outfit (I bet you all thought I was going to pick Degas!). Maybe it is because the Warhol outfit could be worn casually and I could see myself actually browsing a gallery whilst wearing it. From time to time you will see smaller indie brands release dresses with famous paintings on them. I purposely didn't go a Van Gogh outfit because a dress with his Starry Starry Night already exists. These are a bit different from your typical Juliette et Justine painting dresses too. But at least there are many different options out there if you wish to pay homage to your favourite artist.</div><br />Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-14986775003828450892017-10-02T02:54:00.000-07:002017-10-02T02:54:37.354-07:00Twilight Gymnasium and the Seven Wonders by Alice and the PiratesToday I am looking at Twilight Gymnasium by Alice and the Pirates. This series includes 3 dresses, a skirt, a beret and socks.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p2l0fPh2_mw/WcwO77RPmNI/AAAAAAAAKPs/znIxuCwoZEccJ0oBNuz8Kq4a6U9nOY24wCLcBGAs/s1600/gym1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p2l0fPh2_mw/WcwO77RPmNI/AAAAAAAAKPs/znIxuCwoZEccJ0oBNuz8Kq4a6U9nOY24wCLcBGAs/s320/gym1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First is JSK I. The bodice looks well fitted. Although the shape is simple, the bodice looks really smart. It is a sharp design and seems to fit the 'feel' of the print. The straps are a decent width and very supportive. There is a belt, which nips in the waist line perfectly. I do think the buckle used on the belt is a bit basic though. The bodice features 6 buttons placed neatly in lines. Maybe the buttons could have been spaced a bit further apart though? The neckline features folded down flaps which are decorated with a line of ribbon and a ribbon bow in the middle. This is a really smart looking design. I do think the flaps could have been a bit smaller in size, but the shape is lovely. The back offers a panel of shirring, which is topped neatly with a ribbon corset. The stock photos show that the skirt has a fair bit of volume and flares outwards a lot. It should be possible to create a lovely, mature A-line shape to fit with the bodice. The skirt is kept very simple, so the print is displayed wonderfully. The bottom hem is left plain, which is a little bit disappointing. At the very least they could have added a thin line of ribbon to finish the dress off nicely. That would have matched the neckline details too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rwSj0l0I-O0/WcwO8GazL3I/AAAAAAAAKPw/RymqiVT2v_gcJiyyIGeiiCyhxWcV_E6xgCLcBGAs/s1600/gym2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rwSj0l0I-O0/WcwO8GazL3I/AAAAAAAAKPw/RymqiVT2v_gcJiyyIGeiiCyhxWcV_E6xgCLcBGAs/s320/gym2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is JSK II. The bodice seems a little bit loosely fitted and the shape is far too simple in my opinion. The straps are a good width. I think the use of clips and buckles on the straps is interesting. It certainly livens them up a bit. The waistline has a band defined by 2 lines of braid. This does help to define the waist, but not as much as the proper belt on JSK I. The bodice features a yoke, which is a simple semi-circle shape. It features pleats inside and a row of pleats lining the edge, which give a bit of added texture and depth. There is also a row of buttons and a bow on the yoke. It makes it look more detailed and interesting. The buttons work well, but I am not convinced by the bow. I just feel the bow is a bit too cute looking. The back is fully shirred, so there is a lot of size flexibility but it also means the shirring is left exposed. The stock photos show that the skirt is very full and flares outwards plenty. It should be possible to create a great shape. The skirt is again kept simple, so the print is displayed excellently. The bottom hem is finished off with a line of pleats, which I think works brilliantly. This would have been a good way to finish off JSK I without looking too cutesy. It is definitely an improvement on a completely bare bottom hem.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CjjUTjCmMH0/WcwO8HhQgDI/AAAAAAAAKPo/vTTpqJeMTRYDoqyj6liPV2Q1KIh_vWFpACLcBGAs/s1600/gym3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CjjUTjCmMH0/WcwO8HhQgDI/AAAAAAAAKPo/vTTpqJeMTRYDoqyj6liPV2Q1KIh_vWFpACLcBGAs/s320/gym3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here we have the OP. The bodice seems quite well fitted but I am unsure about the shape. Something about the shoulder area looks very wide and a bit frumpy looking. I worry it wouldn't be too flattering. Even in the model photos the OP made the shoulder area look quite bulky. I think it the top printed part of the sleeves which throws things off. The arms are a generous length though and I like the smart buttons on the cuffs. Judging by the listing, it looks as though the solid part of the sleeves is not detachable. I like the dress with the full length arms anyway, but it would have been nice to have the option to wear this dress with shorter sleeves too. The bodice features a sailor style collar and a modesty panel going across the chest. This is set out very neatly and I think it looks very smart. I like the sharp lines of braid, which emphasises the lines. The modesty panel is emblazoned with the AatP logo, which mimics a school logo. It is very fitting! There is also a bow finishing off the collar. It is a bit sweet looking, but I think AatP just about gets away with it. The AatP logo charm is a nice touch too. My only complaint is the ribbon used for the bow looks very shiny. The back offers no shirring, so size flexibility is very limited. I think the print lines up well along the zip though, and the collar is a tidy shape at the back. The stock photos show that the skirt has a load of volume and it flares out really well. It should hold plenty of petticoat. The skirt is once again kept simple, so the print is displayed beautifully. Sadly, the bottom hem is kept bare again, which is a bit of a disappointment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mP-PzaEboQM/WcwO8m_XYBI/AAAAAAAAKP0/1Qu44k8631cSFL44V1d3ZO3Wj35jucO4ACLcBGAs/s1600/gym4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mP-PzaEboQM/WcwO8m_XYBI/AAAAAAAAKP0/1Qu44k8631cSFL44V1d3ZO3Wj35jucO4ACLcBGAs/s320/gym4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, here is one part of the print...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5SsVocfCviI/WcwO8gBj2EI/AAAAAAAAKP4/8VZsUOai_ygmsh7NSsnnwzVa_S9-ERNogCLcBGAs/s1600/gym5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5SsVocfCviI/WcwO8gBj2EI/AAAAAAAAKP4/8VZsUOai_ygmsh7NSsnnwzVa_S9-ERNogCLcBGAs/s320/gym5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">... and another part. This series comes in bordeaux, navy, green and black. These are very mature colours and are quite typical choices for school uniforms. Therefore all the colours look very suitable for the print. I am curious to know how a lighter colour option would have looked though. As for the print, it is very smartly set out. The building is well drawn and does remind me of a fancy school building. It is a bit too posh looking compared to the schools I went to, but I would have loved to be on a campus like this! I like how the building is covered with leaves as well, adding an extra point of interest. The school children are good as well, but I think they could do with a bit more definition to their features. I like how you can see inside the buildings. It would have been easy for them to just add a bit of sheen to the glass, but showing what is behind the glass adds depth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So overall this is a nicely set out series. The print is nice enough. I am not sure if this is the sort of series that many would go out of their way to get hold of though. It is lovely, but nothing special. So I would not buy this series personally. If I did, my choice would be JSK I in navy. Out of all the dress designs I think that one is the most interesting and fits the school uniform vibe nicely enough. I think I prefer solid coloured school themed dresses over this print though.</div><br />Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-19897010273261516332017-09-28T02:55:00.000-07:002017-09-28T02:55:59.034-07:00Brand Inspired DecorWork was a bit slow for a couple of days, so to break my boredom I decided to have a bit of a play around and make some brand inspired bedrooms. I don't really have the option to decorate a room based around a brand so I am having to live vicariously through other people's Pinterest boards. Oh well, it was fun doing a bit of window shopping and I enjoyed putting these 'looks' together. Could we maybe pretend that all of the colours match up? These collages are meant more as mood boards rather than finalised room designs. It is really difficult to get things like colour right when you are looking through a laptop monitor! As for further inspiration, I guess I would suggest checking out your local charity shops and maybe checking out antique markets. Sometimes you can find some cute kitsch stuff from a few decades ago which could fit the aesthetic. Touring places such as stately homes can be inspiring if you are a classic lolita. There has been a rise in adults adopting 'childish' (their words, not mine...) culture as well, and you can find some really cute articles which may offer inspiration.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Alice and the Pirates</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQH_D6b1fc4/Wct_ylYcQoI/AAAAAAAAKPI/Lfb8WP-UAnYES2_0_YFoX2yEXWDb9cK5gCLcBGAs/s1600/aatpdecor.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="500" height="256" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VQH_D6b1fc4/Wct_ylYcQoI/AAAAAAAAKPI/Lfb8WP-UAnYES2_0_YFoX2yEXWDb9cK5gCLcBGAs/s320/aatpdecor.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There were lots of different ways I could have gone with the AatP room, but I remember an old interview (I think it is in one of the English GLBs) where the designer was talking about her inspiration for setting up the brand. I love the idea of Alice from Alice in Wonderland going on adventures beyond Wonderland. So this collage is very piratey. I didn't feel the pirate colours truly reflected the whole AatP 'feel' so I added in some dark red as well.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Angelic Pretty</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aFcbTyEvWeU/Wct_ypCo9zI/AAAAAAAAKPM/J71QPcEcnSAaxiRoy_uAq9LwWLlyGL1hACLcBGAs/s1600/apdecor.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="500" height="256" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aFcbTyEvWeU/Wct_ypCo9zI/AAAAAAAAKPM/J71QPcEcnSAaxiRoy_uAq9LwWLlyGL1hACLcBGAs/s320/apdecor.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pink, pink and... more pink! My inspiration for this collage came from the actual Angelic Pretty stores in Japan, which are very pink! I also decided to go for a cute, retro look. When I saw the stripy bow shaped cushion, I instantly thought of AP. This being AP, I decided to add a touch of Paris to things as well. Looking at the finished collage, I suppose this is more late 2010 era AP rather than present day AP. Maybe I should try giving that a go... I could see that being a massive challenge though!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Baby the Stars Shine Bright</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_Ir1K-wfDI/Wct_ytVLBaI/AAAAAAAAKPQ/j1kXCeUeJ6sdKnXj85QoZToB9JhIit37QCLcBGAs/s1600/babydecor.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="500" height="256" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j_Ir1K-wfDI/Wct_ytVLBaI/AAAAAAAAKPQ/j1kXCeUeJ6sdKnXj85QoZToB9JhIit37QCLcBGAs/s320/babydecor.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is still a touch of the pink, but in more muted tones than AP. I wanted to do something a bit 'dreamy' and soft looking. So I went for light, delicate layers. A lot of my inspiration here came from the print Twinkle Dreaming Princess, which features clouds and bedroom furniture. It just seemed like the ideal print for this collage. Please excuse the rabbit jars, which are not really the right colour. I added them because I thought I couldn't do a BTSSB room without at least acknowledging Usakumya-chan. I love my little Usa pochette, but I know some lolitas out there have massive Usakumya collections. Having a gathering of them piled in one corner of the room is definitely how I envisage a BTSSB room!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Innocent World</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-82egcqmPPqU/Wct_zeodXlI/AAAAAAAAKPU/0AsWaoaibyEo3ZV5QzfLt7F18MyGhI7YgCLcBGAs/s1600/iwdecor.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="500" height="256" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-82egcqmPPqU/Wct_zeodXlI/AAAAAAAAKPU/0AsWaoaibyEo3ZV5QzfLt7F18MyGhI7YgCLcBGAs/s320/iwdecor.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This has a more classic, European look. It is well known that the IW designer is a massive Europe lover and her travels have inspired several IW prints. I felt it was only right to acknowledge some of the more popular aspects of Innocent World. So the collage features a deer wall decor to represent Lotta, Fleur de Lis details which crop up in a lot of IW prints, a crown chandelier which is a nod to Grazia Crown and a cherub tray to represent that cherub IW print whose name I can't think of right now. There is also some florals thrown in, because IW do release a lot of floral prints.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>Moi Meme Moitie</b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ODvKHNKBqnk/Wct_ziGmljI/AAAAAAAAKPY/W-XByRjwm74lvZN22lXnOXBSC7yvGIY4QCLcBGAs/s1600/mmmdecor.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="500" height="256" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ODvKHNKBqnk/Wct_ziGmljI/AAAAAAAAKPY/W-XByRjwm74lvZN22lXnOXBSC7yvGIY4QCLcBGAs/s320/mmmdecor.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Out of all the collages, this one was the easiest to do! There are so many pages dedicated to gothic decor, that I was really spoiled for choice. So I tried to go for styles which reflected Moitie. Can you imagine Mana doing a photoshoot in this room? That was my main objective! I feel the bed frame and screen have a similar style to popular MMM gate prints, such as Iron Gate. Obviously, there had to be some vivid blue in there too! The coffin shelving unit is a nod to the old Moitie physical stores, where the changing rooms were shaped like coffins. It is a shame the lining is not blue though!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So this post was really just for fun, but I hope you have all enjoyed it. You may have noticed I didn't do one for Metamorphose... I did try to do one, but it was so all over the place and nothing really complimented anything else. They are so diverse style-wise that it would be hard to do a Meta room without focusing solely on one particular print, which really wouldn't reflect on the brand as a whole. I had a leopard print chaise longe saved and everything!&nbsp;</div><br />Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-4961702279387433122017-09-25T02:44:00.000-07:002017-09-25T02:44:51.745-07:00Holiday Collection by Angelic PrettyToday I am looking at Holiday Collection by Angelic Pretty. This series includes 2 dresses, a skirt, 3 hair accessories, a blouse and socks.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mlnA1qOttIw/WcI9RQAvpfI/AAAAAAAAKOw/Op39Qo9Cz589FYaVPc6zFDVJvciGrEc2QCLcBGAs/s1600/holiday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mlnA1qOttIw/WcI9RQAvpfI/AAAAAAAAKOw/Op39Qo9Cz589FYaVPc6zFDVJvciGrEc2QCLcBGAs/s320/holiday1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First is the OP. Considering the fabric choice, the bodice looks quite shapely and well fitted. The arms have a suitable level of puffiness to them and I really like the fitted cuffs. The cuffs are neatly decorated with emblem themed buttons, braid and some crown themed lace. Although I personally think the lace is too wide, I do appreciate how wonderful the crown lace looks. It is so apt for the overall theme as well. There is a ribbon belt, which helps to define the waist a little bit. I like that the ribbon chosen is matte, but if I am being honest the ribbon looks like bog-standard ribbon you would find in any craft store. For a brand release, the belt just doesn't feel that special. The bodice has a large square shaped yoke. I think this looks a little flat and boring. Some pleats could have been nice here. I do like the braid and lace lining the edge though, as it keeps it looking smart. There is also 2 small star charms with a chain dangling between them. I really dislike this detail and I don't think it is necessary at all. It doesn't really add anything to the design and it gets a bit 'lost' with all the other bodice details going on around it. There is also a ribbon bow topping the yoke. I like that the AP ribbon matches the brand name at the bottom of the print. The bow shape is simple, but well constructed and a decent size. The only thing I dislike about this bow is the teddy charm in the middle. I find it a bit too 'cutesy' looking. This bow id detachable, but I feel the dress looks far too plain with it removed, so I would leave it on. The back offers no shirring, so size flexibility is very limited. I am impressed with how well the print has been lined up along the zip line in the stock photos though. Fingers crossed it is this well executed on every dress. The stock photos show that the skirt has a decent amount of volume and it flares outwards plenty. I think there is a lot of potential to create a fantastic shape. The skirt is kept simple in design, so the print is displayed excellently. The bottom hem is then finished off neatly with a line of the crown themed lace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wc4JZOJoAAg/WcI9Rmix5iI/AAAAAAAAKO0/hpSJLgjxvRUFstbzzorVnzX14-YBrfUegCLcBGAs/s1600/holiday2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wc4JZOJoAAg/WcI9Rmix5iI/AAAAAAAAKO0/hpSJLgjxvRUFstbzzorVnzX14-YBrfUegCLcBGAs/s320/holiday2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next we have the JSK. The bodice material is a bit loose and baggy and I am not completely sold on the bodice shape either. I think the neckline shape could have been a bit softer and that overall, the bodice looks too 'square' in shape. The straps are a little on the thin side, but the style of the straps fits well with the rest of the dress. They are lined with the crown lace on the outsides. I like how this lace has been gathered and shaped, making it look a bit more interesting. This dress also has a ribbon belt and my feelings about it are exactly the same as the belt on the OP. The bodice features lines of metallic lace running vertically upwards. This helps to break up the empty space without looking too OTT. The neckline features a 'collar' which has an unusual shape. I quite like it though! The shape is further emphasized by the neat lines of braid and lace lining it. The neckline is then topped off with a bow identical to the one on the OP. I know there is a teddy bear in the print, but I still dislike that charm on the bow. This bow is again detachable but I would leave it attached. Out of the 2 dress designs though, I think the JSK pulls off the bow-less look better than the OP. The back is fully shirred, which means loads of size flexibility but also that the shirring is left exposed. However, because of the style of print, the shirring sort of blends in a bit and isn't as noticeable. The stock photos show that the skirt is very full and flares outwards wonderfully. It should hold plenty of petticoat to create a full, sweet shape. The skirt is again kept simple in design, so the print is displayed beautifully. The bottom hem is then finished off neatly with a line of the crown lace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N90MtStX1TU/WcI9Rr78kDI/AAAAAAAAKO4/af6JWQ1MwAsFZ3oihtJn5EVEQFriOTncwCLcBGAs/s1600/holiday3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="966" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N90MtStX1TU/WcI9Rr78kDI/AAAAAAAAKO4/af6JWQ1MwAsFZ3oihtJn5EVEQFriOTncwCLcBGAs/s320/holiday3.jpg" width="193" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, this is the print. This series comes in ivory, red, green and grey. I think the ivory, red and green colours look very traditional. The grey is a bit more unusual and I am a bit unsure about it. I do wonder if black would have been better, as black would have been bolder (or at least easier to co-ordinate). As for the print itself, I really like how you could get away with wearing this for a Christmas themed outfit, but it is not specifically a Christmas print. Tartan is very popular around Christmas time but with the exception of the pile of presents, the print is generic enough to be worn outside of the holiday period. I really love the tartan and I think the frames are well set out and decently positioned. The frames themselves are very intricate with fun designs. The items inside the frames have been drawn well. I don't really have anything negative to say about the print at all. I think it has been really well executed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So this series has proven that the old days of the AP bloodbath are not gone forever (this series sold out a lot quicker in comparison to a lot of other recent AP releases) and I can see why this particular print has done so well. Although I would change a couple of things about the dress designs, these changes are only minor and overall the dress designs are very strong. Would I buy this series? Possibly. I wont be adding this to my wishlist but that is not to say that I wouldn't consider it if the price was right. My top choice would be the JSK in green. I think the fact that I would even be considering getting a series with a strong hint of Christmas is a sign that I think AP have done very well!</div><br />Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-65948119827098762972017-09-21T02:53:00.000-07:002017-09-21T02:53:13.546-07:00September 2017 Haul- Unexpected Dream Item Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today I have another haul to share with you all, which is mostly accessory based with a bit of artwork thrown in for good measure. This was not meant to be a 'Big Spending' month for me, especially after DMC, but fate decided to chuck a wishlist item in my direction. I also really like Halloween, which as you will see below heavily influenced my spending.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uVPb2bbsfug/Wb-ZV-3SazI/AAAAAAAAKOI/mR2fAYpgKagJIJGYMjyjpCjIPYwvqtOcACLcBGAs/s1600/106_2994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uVPb2bbsfug/Wb-ZV-3SazI/AAAAAAAAKOI/mR2fAYpgKagJIJGYMjyjpCjIPYwvqtOcACLcBGAs/s320/106_2994.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First is a pair of postcards I got from Polyrillustration on Etsy. I have a bad habit of buying anything remotely bird themed lately, but these are no ordinary birds! They have been drawn by a lolita called Elizabeth and their wings feature a lace pattern. So I guess you could say they have been slightly lolitafied! But I wanted to include these in my haul post because I really think Elizabeth is talented and as an added bonus, she is really lovely! Please go and check out her Etsy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyTSOwt3G-U/Wb-ZWNe6RzI/AAAAAAAAKOQ/8lwwlOqAookhzAp6i_Krocdo_GYKAzjAQCLcBGAs/s1600/106_3002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyTSOwt3G-U/Wb-ZWNe6RzI/AAAAAAAAKOQ/8lwwlOqAookhzAp6i_Krocdo_GYKAzjAQCLcBGAs/s320/106_3002.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As well as an envelope covered in the most amazing bird stickers (which I have cut out and kept, even though they are no longer sticky) Elizabeth wrote me a thank you note. Apparently I am her very first customer! I really loved the bird drawing she did for the note. I would be interested to see where she takes her art in the future. Perhaps she could offer to draw customer's birds? (hint hint...)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hhna9IjV58/Wb-ZWNX0ICI/AAAAAAAAKOM/zkP11Tf_ewcs0qEeh_YN9BNz7a3Lv1vbgCLcBGAs/s1600/106_3016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0hhna9IjV58/Wb-ZWNX0ICI/AAAAAAAAKOM/zkP11Tf_ewcs0qEeh_YN9BNz7a3Lv1vbgCLcBGAs/s320/106_3016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next is a Spooktacular haul from H&amp;M. I went looking for Larme-able stuff, and ended up raiding the kid's section. Aside from the moon and star clips, everything came from the kid's section. I have to admit that so far this Autumn I have not been impressed with the very slow trickle of Halloween merchandise available here in the UK. It is not really that big a holiday over here and I was sad that H&amp;M relegated Halloween to the kid's section.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2NnaVqJ7l98/Wb-ZWS2c2yI/AAAAAAAAKOU/IyyyAmC2bPoDKZ_fk5rXk6IUCqmA2EtaQCLcBGAs/s1600/106_3018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2NnaVqJ7l98/Wb-ZWS2c2yI/AAAAAAAAKOU/IyyyAmC2bPoDKZ_fk5rXk6IUCqmA2EtaQCLcBGAs/s320/106_3018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But I was very glad I took a chance and went to check the kid's bit out (I do this every time I go to H&amp;M) because these accessories are so adorable! I absolutely love the bat clip. All the clips are quite firmly glued on. I am also pleased to say that the chokers stretch enough for an adult to comfortably wear them. The skeleton hands do indeed glow in the dark, but they are not that vibrant. I mainly got these for their spooky vibe. Also, these hand clips are quite popular in Japanese fashion but they can be very expensive. So being able to get them on the high street was a big bonus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tDpcaw4W7ZY/Wb-ZWo2OH6I/AAAAAAAAKOY/rLq1qsyLFf8obkXcLkJCV_9Sf_VHECh7wCLcBGAs/s1600/106_3022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tDpcaw4W7ZY/Wb-ZWo2OH6I/AAAAAAAAKOY/rLq1qsyLFf8obkXcLkJCV_9Sf_VHECh7wCLcBGAs/s320/106_3022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also got these fluffy scrunchies because I thought they looked cute, but also because I could incorporate them in to my larme wardrobe. Despite being in the kid's section, they have a reasonable amount of stretch to them. My only complaint is I had to buy 2 lots so I could have matching colours if I did twin tails. Who am I kidding, I would have brought them in both colours anyway!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lSfbdLuGuMs/Wb-ZWto41QI/AAAAAAAAKOc/hZ1NkfbrpbkD8C3s2d_nIRT5gzHtlORpACLcBGAs/s1600/106_3025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lSfbdLuGuMs/Wb-ZWto41QI/AAAAAAAAKOc/hZ1NkfbrpbkD8C3s2d_nIRT5gzHtlORpACLcBGAs/s320/106_3025.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, I got both the necklace and bracelet from Baby's Twinkle Constellation series! You may have seen me use this necklace in a load of outfit collages on here, and now I actually own it! These have both been on my wishlist ever since the series first came out, but they very rarely crop up on the second hand market. Then Closet Child Harajuku got both of them. I had to use a shopping service for the necklace, so I used Muuh Tokyo SS. She replied super quick and within minutes we had arranged for her to go to Closet Child the following day and pick up the necklace for me. I was sent photographic proof of the necklace and receipt. The necklace was also very well packed. I would wholeheartedly recommend her service if you need a speedy shopping service.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-glmRpacF4aE/Wb-ZW7XGS_I/AAAAAAAAKOg/QXDJFr21FoYZBmdRBZnFl1jX3Vr0uCG8gCLcBGAs/s1600/106_3030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-glmRpacF4aE/Wb-ZW7XGS_I/AAAAAAAAKOg/QXDJFr21FoYZBmdRBZnFl1jX3Vr0uCG8gCLcBGAs/s320/106_3030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Both the bracelet and the necklace were in like new condition. The design which I have coveted for so many years was definitely worth it. The rounded star shape is so cute. It does remind me of candy, as do the frosted beads. The star chains interwoven in to the design are a nice touch as well. I did notice that the star charms were a little stiff and don't have much movement to them, but this is only a minor complaint. The necklace has lots of space on the chain to adjust the length, but the bracelet is firmly one size only. I did find this meant the bracelet slipped quite far down my arm. I suppose because of the bracelet design it would have been difficult to make it adjustable without compromising on appearance. But overall, I am super happy to finally tick these off my wishlist. I don't have that many items left to go now, which is exciting! I do wonder how (or if) my wardrobe will expand after I get everything else.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So those are my new items! Despite the necklace really taking me by surprise and screwing up my socialising funds for this month, I don't regret getting it at all. It is a really cool design and now I am probably going to bore you all by wearing it constantly! The other items were all cheap and well worth the money. I really like it when you find little surprises on the high street. Primark, didn't have the fluffy bag I wanted, but otherwise my shopping trip left me satisfied. There is more stuff on the way to me in the mail so hopefully there will be another haul post in the near future.</div><br />Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-58963916525976619982017-09-18T02:38:00.002-07:002017-09-18T02:38:36.224-07:00Rose Palace by MetamorphoseToday I am looking at Rose Palace by Metamorphose. This series includes 3 dresses (the OP was not available at time of writing, so I will add it later if it comes out before publishing), a blouse, tights, a hair clip, a lace peplum and several corsets. EDIT- Okay, the OP has now come out but I will admit I completely forgot about adding it to the post. Sorry!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2tEFkvA7JE/WaBmdY-PZhI/AAAAAAAAKLA/UHWNh2sLigorCX9Jd4zKqAV9xYXqwEgYwCLcBGAs/s1600/rosepal1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="501" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f2tEFkvA7JE/WaBmdY-PZhI/AAAAAAAAKLA/UHWNh2sLigorCX9Jd4zKqAV9xYXqwEgYwCLcBGAs/s320/rosepal1.png" width="274" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First is the Ribbon JSK. The bodice seems fairly well fitted. I think the shape of the bodice is simple, but elegant. The only thing about the shape I am unsure about is the very square neckline. The straps look a decent width and quite supportive. They are lined with a line of gold braid (which also goes along the neckline) and some pretty lace on the outsides. The way the lace has been shaped and gathered makes it look quite frilly, and I did wonder if perhaps it looked a little too cute looking for the gothic print? The waist line is topped with 2 bows made of the main dress fabric and a line of lace. I don't feel the lace sits particularly well on the waistline and it gets a bit 'lost' underneath the bows anyway. The bows are a lovely shape and I like the detailing on them, like the gold braid and lace. However, I think the bows are a bit big in size and are placed a bit too close together. The bodice has a chiffon ruffle topped with gold braid going up the middle. I don't think this detail works that well. I think it is the gold braid which makes this detail look odd and Meta should have just had the chiffon ruffle by itself. Some thin lines of lace could have subtly broken up the empty areas on the sides of the bodice without drawing attention away from the bigger features. There is a big bow on the neckline. This bow has a simple shape, but it has been well formed and works well. I love the cross cameo in the middle! None of the bows on the bodice appear to be detachable, which is a shame because it would definitely be great to be able to re-position the waist bows. The back is fully shirred which means loads of size flexibility, but also that the shirring is left exposed with nothing covering it. The stock photos show that the skirt has a decent amount of volume. It flares outwards well too and I think there is loads of potential to create a fantastic shape. The skirt is kept simple, so the print is displayed beautifully. The bottom hem is then finished off neatly with a line of Meta logo themed lace layered on top of a chiffon ruffle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XxWdtYOqE7I/WaBmda66TXI/AAAAAAAAKK8/sgX4HGTfcN4VZyUPQ49adNLTYVQQpDtFQCLcBGAs/s1600/rosepal2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="501" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XxWdtYOqE7I/WaBmda66TXI/AAAAAAAAKK8/sgX4HGTfcN4VZyUPQ49adNLTYVQQpDtFQCLcBGAs/s320/rosepal2.png" width="274" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next we have the High Waist JSK. The bodice material looks quite loose and baggy. I think this is because of the way the material has been gathered and is deliberate. I am quite underwhelmed about the bodice shape though. It is so square and basic. The straps also look a bit thin, although the do suit the style of the bodice. Wide straps would probably not suit this dress. The straps are topped with gold braid and a chiffon ruffle. These same details also appear along the neckline. I like how this makes the area look a lot softer and romantic, but without looking too cute. It also goes well with the use of chiffon at the bottom of the dress. The waist has a solid coloured panel, which sort of looks a bit like a belt. It is good how it helps to break up the printed dress material and does define the waist a little bit. This is topped with a waist bow. I think the bow is a good size, but I am not a fan of the bow shape. I feel as though it is lacking something. Maybe some lace and a more intricate shape could have helped to liven it up. But there is a gorgeous cross charm dangling from the middle and despite its size, it holds its shape well. It is a shame that the charm doesn't stand out more. This waist bow is detachable but given how plain the bodice is, I would leave it on, even though I don't like it that much. Or maybe I would consider moving it to the neckline instead? The back is fully shirred again, so there is lots of size flexibility but the shirring is still left exposed. The skirt looks full of volume and it flares outwards a lot. I like how the skirt is a bit longer in length, to help compensate for the high waist design. The skirt is again kept simple in design, so the print is displayed excellently. The bottom hem is then finished off with 2 wide chiffon ruffles and some small ribbon bows. I like the ruffles but think they could have done with being just a little less wide. The bows are a lovely finishing touch, despite being a little bit shiny.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G6YnVMnBmOA/WaBmmmPUN-I/AAAAAAAAKLE/1j_j8fATmgQHiZYv1XKhZAxKZMltfF5VgCLcBGAs/s1600/rosepal3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="357" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G6YnVMnBmOA/WaBmmmPUN-I/AAAAAAAAKLE/1j_j8fATmgQHiZYv1XKhZAxKZMltfF5VgCLcBGAs/s320/rosepal3.png" width="226" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, this is the print. This series comes in black, dark blue and lavender. I think all 3 colours look beautiful. It is difficult to pick a favourite! As for the print, I am pleased to see Meta going a bit gothic again. Although these window prints are quite overdone (it is not even new ground for Meta) this offering has been well executed. The lines are neat and the way the print is set out is very tidy. The churches inside the windows are heavily detailed as well. The roses offer a refreshing pop of colour. In fact, I think the border part of the print could have done with a few more roses. The brand name features in a strip at the bottom, but this is kept nicely understated. I suppose people's feelings towards this series will depend on how you feel about originality, but this print does measure up well next to similar prints.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So if you are a fan of these kind of prints, then this is a decent series to add to your collection. The print is lovely, but there are a few small changes I would make to the dress designs. I think the colour choices are what makes this series. The black is quite a classic colour for the print, but the navy blue and lavender offer something a bit more unusual. Would I buy this series? Possibly, but it wont be going on my wishlist. My top choice would be the Ribbon JSK in lavender. I look forward to seeing some fantastic gothic outfits with this series</div><br />Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-89960433290711594222017-09-14T02:59:00.000-07:002017-09-14T02:59:18.218-07:00Community PoliticsThe idea of lolita communities, whether they are more local or larger national communities, has been in my thoughts a great deal lately. I suppose with the disbanding of the Tea Party Club and the online reactions in response to this, there has been a lot of talk about what happens now. I wont be mentioning any names or specific comments (and most of the comments are anonymous anyway) but I am absolutely gobsmacked at some of the things being said. Sorry to say it, but some people are coming across as very entitled. The Tea Party Club events took so much time and effort. I don't think some people realise just how much the organisers put in to these huge events. But even at a local level there are some of the negative effects trickling down. For a while now I have backed away from being a part of a local community. It is not anything specific that one individual person has done, but because I was wondering if the smaller comm meets are really how I wish to pursue my love of lolita fashion. I try not to blog about the negative impact too much, but I will be honest and admit that there have been times where I have been hosting a meet where it has made me severely ill (both physically and mentally). A lot of that is down to me as an individual, but it did result in me backing away from my local community a lot. I came to realise that I am at my happiest when I am in just a small group of lolitas or even doing something with just my husband James. I am wearing lolita for myself a lot more and not because I feel the pressure to make a super amazing outfit for a community meet up. Communities can be great, but they are not the be-all and end-all of wearing lolita. But I thought today I would tackle community politics and how maybe we can all go about creating a bit of harmony in our communities.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vO0XlSLFOao/WbZwoBqB-wI/AAAAAAAAKN4/KQDfbNedddUJu7QwCXuDSOHIhbIJgEFTACLcBGAs/s1600/lolitafriends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vO0XlSLFOao/WbZwoBqB-wI/AAAAAAAAKN4/KQDfbNedddUJu7QwCXuDSOHIhbIJgEFTACLcBGAs/s320/lolitafriends.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><br /><br />A small disclaimer- none of the comments in this post are aimed at any specific community or individual. I appreciate that this could be a sensitive subject and I want you all to know that I am not making any thinly veiled digs at anybody. These are just general observations I have made from being part of several different communities (not all of them lolita communities) and also from stuff I have heard from others both online and in real life.<br /><br />Firstly, majority rules, or at least it should be taken in to account when planning an event. Voting on dates and venues mean you can get a better picture of your community's needs. If the majority have selected one particular option and they host goes ahead and agrees with the vote, then in theory you are going to have a larger number of attendees and happier guests. But ultimately, it is the host's choice. I feel that if somebody is going to the effort of hosting a meet, they should have the largest say in what happens because it is the host who will have to deal with bookings, any problems etc. Try not to get upset if a vote does not go your way. The idea of these events is to cater towards the whole group, not one individual. You don't have to be at every single meet. Sometimes you just have to accept that things have not gone your way.<br /><br />We should also try to take other member's needs in to consideration. For example, if you are hosting an event which would be suitable for adults only, maybe consider doing something more inclusive for all ages for the following meet. If somebody has a food allergy or specific diet, see if you can compromise and go to a similar venue where they are more likely to find food they can eat. Not everybody is able-bodied or as healthy, so consider if there is going to be a lot of walking or physical exertion involved. Try to make sure that everybody feels included and welcome to take part.<br /><br />I also think it is important not to let one person take on all of the work. This is something I can relate to, as I have gotten myself in a rut of being the only one hosting meets before. Doing all of the organising can be super stressful and it takes its toll. I think in the wake of what has happened with the Tea Party Club, it is only now that we are realising what people like Kyra did for the UK community. She organised so many of the big events that I feel some of us took it for granted. Now we are at a loss about how to continue in the future. Fantastic meets can only go ahead if somebody is there to put the work in. If you have a service to offer which you think may be useful (translating, photography etc) then make yourself known. Also, if you want to step up and host a meet but don't know what to do, don't be afraid to ask event hosts for advice. I think that if people are willing to ask the needed questions, people will be able to offer advice. Do remember that 5 years ago, Kyra only got Juliette et Justine to come over because she actually asked them. And please, make sure that your hosts feel valued. Thank them!<br /><br />Another thing to consider is making sure the community does not have any unrealistic rules. As an example, I know there are some communities which have a rule against going or posting on places like 4chan. How exactly do you enforce a rule like this? As these sites are anonymous, it is rare that you can prove who is posting what without going to a lot of effort. This can cause a lot of unnecessary finger pointing and accusations. Also, a lot of community members are adults or at least old enough to be making their own choices. We can't realistically police everything and in trying to do so, you can actually cause more problems than you are trying to prevent. Lolita is a fashion and having long lists of rules to join a community can scare people away.<br /><br />Speaking of moderation, community moderators should be approachable and somebody you can go to if a problem arises. Members of a community want to know that they will be treated well. Not being able to get a hold of somebody when you have questions can be very frustrating. If as a moderator you feel as though you have taken too much on, consider adding additional moderators. Share the burden out fairly.<br /><br />It is also important to try and keep personal drama out of lolita communities. Have an issue with another lolita? That should be between the two of you and nobody else. Don't force people to choose sides. It can really cause a horrible atmosphere if you bring your drama to a meet. Sometimes it is very tricky to deal with people you don't like or have fallen out with, but hopefully you can keep things civil. Rather than focusing on the drama, try talking to another lolita. Focus on other things. I personally find that this has a positive effect rather than brooding on things.<br /><br />Finally, members should be free to meet up with each other away from the community. Sometimes you find you really click with somebody and you develop a friendship beyond the fashion. So it is only natural that you may decide to meet up with those few people outside of lolita meets, regardless of whether or not you wear lolita when you see each other. If you connect with somebody, don't be afraid to make the first move. Try messaging them and if things go well, maybe you could suggest meeting at a cafe for a drink. As you get older, it is a lot harder to make new friends compared to when you were a child. You may find you have to make a bit more effort, but sow the seeds and hopefully a beautiful friendship will bloom.<br /><br />So those are just some thoughts that I have come up with. Can you think of anything that I have missed out? Do feel free to comment your suggestions. Over the past year I have been thrown in to a lot of situations where I have needed to consider my interactions a lot more and I think as a result my behaviour and actions have changed (hopefully for the better!). With everything that has happened recently, perhaps we need to think a bit more about how we can evolve as a community. You can't make everybody happy all the time, but sometimes just knowing that our thoughts and feelings have been acknowledged can make all the difference. My wish for the future is that we can all continue to have fun adventures together as a happy and content community.Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-67261232128104654522017-09-11T02:34:00.000-07:002017-09-11T02:34:58.653-07:00Print DoubleToday I am looking at 2 different prints, so scroll down for a look at a new print from Baby.<br /><br />First today though, is Lovely Shopping by Angelic Pretty. This series includes 3 dresses (one is a more casual cutsew dress), 4 hair accessories and socks.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L9nrbFyOHAI/WbEWHMyfyMI/AAAAAAAAKNM/xJsHinOjlJQKpOlMlDOigUJZNVHxbW17QCLcBGAs/s1600/lovely1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L9nrbFyOHAI/WbEWHMyfyMI/AAAAAAAAKNM/xJsHinOjlJQKpOlMlDOigUJZNVHxbW17QCLcBGAs/s320/lovely1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First we have the OP. The bodice shape is quite cute, although I am not sure I like the waistline being that high up. That waistline is bound to sit strangely on those with a larger bust. The arms look a generous length though. They have a suitable amount of puff to them and the cuffs finish them off smartly. I absolutely love the use of heart buttons on the cuffs! The bodice is mostly kept simple, but given how short it is I suppose this makes sense. There is a ruffle going along the waistline and sides of the bodice. This ruffle looks very cutesy and it is well gathered. I quite like it, although I imagine there will be some who find it a bit childish. The collar is nicely shaped, albeit a bit small. I do wonder if perhaps it is the bow attached to the collar which is throwing me off. The bow has really long tails and I think it looks too 'heavy' for the collar. Thankfully, the bow is detachable and I would be tempted to do this because I think it makes the collar look more in proportion. There is a line of cute heart shaped buttons underneath the bow on the bodice as well, which stops it from looking too plain. The back offers no shirring, so size flexibility is limited. I really dislike the way the print is misaligned along the zip line as well. It looks a bit messy. The stock photos show that the sack-like skirt has plenty of volume and it flares outwards decently. I think the level of puff that AP have done in the stock photos suits the bodice, but it looks as though it will hold plenty more petticoat if need be. The stock is kept simple in design, so the all-over print is displayed excellently. The bottom hem is then finished off with a solid line of ribbon and some polka dot themed AP logo lace. I like the lace, but I think that solid line of ribbon is quite jarring, especially the black on the red version.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LOVYaJrUuRw/WbEWG7sRlOI/AAAAAAAAKNE/SeK_pTgTHfMdB6U5V2BVtth1-7Jw9hVHwCLcBGAs/s1600/lovely2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LOVYaJrUuRw/WbEWG7sRlOI/AAAAAAAAKNE/SeK_pTgTHfMdB6U5V2BVtth1-7Jw9hVHwCLcBGAs/s320/lovely2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next we have the JSK. The bodice seems quite well fitted and the bodice shape is simple, but lovely. I think the straps are a tiny bit on the thin side, but they suit the style of the bodice. They are very neatly lined with some scalloped lace. This lace is very bold and striking. It is also used down the bodice too, which helps break up the empty space. There is a waist bow, which I think is a bit too big. Its simple shape works quite well though and it is well formed. The only real issue I have with the waist bow is that it blends in to the background quite a lot. The waistline features a 'belt' which is marked out by 2 lines of piping. I don't think this feature adds much to the dress. Perhaps a solid coloured belt would have not only broken up the print a bit, but also helped to define the waistline. There are 3 small bows on the bodice, which look very cute. They are well spaced out too. There is also a line of lace along the neckline, which helps to soften it. The back is fully shirred, so there is lots of size flexibility but it also means the shirring is left exposed. The stock photos show that the skirt is very full and it flares outwards generously. I am not 100% sold on the shape in the stock photos, but at least it looks as though the skirt has plenty of room. The skirt is again kept simple in design, so the print is displayed wonderfully. The bottom hem then features a wide ruffle with thin lines of lace lining both the top and bottom of the ruffle. This is the same lace used on the straps, so that is a good bit of continuity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rZM3wpknGww/WbEWHDUGFvI/AAAAAAAAKNI/iBe9pPFCYgYnUDXXLAutsek03jxnO3f6wCLcBGAs/s1600/lovely3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rZM3wpknGww/WbEWHDUGFvI/AAAAAAAAKNI/iBe9pPFCYgYnUDXXLAutsek03jxnO3f6wCLcBGAs/s320/lovely3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here we have the print. As we can see, this series comes in white, lavender, red and grey. Some of the colours chosen are a bit more predictable than others, but I am glad to see there is a bit of variety in there. Grey really seems to be popular with the AP designers at the moment! As for the print itself, I am not quite sure what to make of it. When I initially saw a small photo of it, I thought that from a distance it looked like one of Metamorphose's camouflage prints! I was really surprised when I found out it was actually AP. If I am being completely honest, I think this looks like a load of clip-art pictures carelessly thrown together, especially the hearts. The mirror and shopping bag are lovely though. I like the little details on them. I don't think that is enough to convince me though!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I can't say that I am overly impressed with this series. Dare I say, it even looks a bit tacky? It could have been a really cute design, but it misses the mark. I think it is safe to say that I wont be buying this series! I guess my top choice would be the JSK in lavender but I am struggling to find anything positive to say about any of the cuts or colours. However, I do really like the short crew socks with the heart pattern on them. I would want them for larme kei rather than lolita though!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today I am also looking at Kumya's Snowy Kingdom (already on to the Winter prints!). This series includes 2 dresses, a skirt, a dress for an Usakumya doll, 2 hair accessories, socks, a blouse, a tote bag and a blanket cape.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bI1dGwu1y9I/WbEfcNCza2I/AAAAAAAAKNc/vI3kSKFRggEMpoXbYnnqekmBbignL7iswCLcBGAs/s1600/kumyasnow1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bI1dGwu1y9I/WbEfcNCza2I/AAAAAAAAKNc/vI3kSKFRggEMpoXbYnnqekmBbignL7iswCLcBGAs/s320/kumyasnow1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First is JSK I. The bodice looks well fitted and the bodice shape is generally quite cute. I like the scalloped neckline, but I don't think the scallops work as well on the straps. There is not enough room on the straps to get any decent scalloped shapes. The straps are a suitable width though and look very supportive. There is a waist bow, which looks and okay size and shape. It sits well on the dress. I think I would have liked the waist bow a bit more if it was more in proportion to the neckline bow. Or maybe the waist bow should have been detachable so we could see how the dress looks with just the neckline bow. The waist bow features some small pom poms and is also lined with pom pom trim. Now, my long-term readers may be aware that I have a real hatred towards pom pom trim, but in this instance I do like it! I like it because it fits in well with the snowy theme (the trim looks a bit like snowballs). The pom pom trim has also been used in several lines going up the bodice and along the edge of a raised chest panel, which has a scalloped edge. I think this detail has been really well executed. The pom poms are appropriate and used neatly. It really helps to emphasize the scalloped edge of the chest panel. My only complaint is that I wish the pom poms stopped before reaching the arm pit area. Otherwise, I am really impressed. The neckline bow is made from this lovely matte ribbon. It has polka dots on it, which go well with the snow theme. I am still not sure I like the sizes of both bows together, but I don't know what Baby could do to improve it either. The back offers a panel of shirring, which is topped neatly with a ribbon corset. The stock photos show that the skirt is nicely rounded and very full. There is lots of potential to create a very cute shape. The skirt is kept simple in design so the print is displayed wonderfully. The bottom hem is then finished off with a neat line of good quality lace. I am surprised Baby didn't try doing something with the pom pom trim on the bottom hem, but the lace looks decent enough.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-omZbbRbmVu8/WbEfcOPefeI/AAAAAAAAKNk/6R_GXcci6Xw-k1fWBjnIwbyH32MsAsXvwCLcBGAs/s1600/kumyasnow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-omZbbRbmVu8/WbEfcOPefeI/AAAAAAAAKNk/6R_GXcci6Xw-k1fWBjnIwbyH32MsAsXvwCLcBGAs/s320/kumyasnow2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next we have JSK II. I think the bodice looks very tube-like and the shape is very boring. It is very simple and quite square. A softer neckline shape would have perhaps been more pleasant too. The straps are a decent width and look very supportive. They are lined very neatly with thin lines of lace, which stop them from looking too plain. There is a waist bow, which I think is an okay size. However, I am not so keen on the bow shape. It looks slightly saggy as well. I am impressed that Baby used the Usakumya part of the print on the bow though, and managed to line it up so well. Fingers crossed you can see Usakumya on each dress and this isn't a one-off fluke! The bodice is broken up by some vertical lines of lace. This lace is of a reasonable quality, as is the lace on the waist bow and neckline. There is a yoke on the bodice, but I really dislike the shape of it. It looks too square and I think a more rounded shape would have been cuter. Even the lace lining the yoke doesn't contribute much to the shape. The yoke also appears to be very flat with little detail to it. It is topped with a ribbon bow though, done in much the same style as it is on the other JSK. This bow is a decent size and well formed. The back is fully shirred, so there is loads of size flexibility but it means the shirring is left exposed. The stock photos show that the skirt is very full and flares outwards plenty. It will hold lots of petticoat underneath. The skirt is again kept simple in design, so the print is displayed beautifully. The bottom hem is then finished off neatly with a line of good quality lace. It is decent enough, but nothing to write home about.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QmmCFdAMyHs/WbEfcGbM1uI/AAAAAAAAKNg/9qpvNj6Pqx8hzcBLZw8pbHiqPqRMp65ewCLcBGAs/s1600/kumyasnow3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QmmCFdAMyHs/WbEfcGbM1uI/AAAAAAAAKNg/9qpvNj6Pqx8hzcBLZw8pbHiqPqRMp65ewCLcBGAs/s320/kumyasnow3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, here is one part of the print...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNyz61Vmx5w/WbEfefFoxTI/AAAAAAAAKNo/cU0oSESujPQKhMP5kgSuepchP1-P29QEACLcBGAs/s1600/kumyasnow4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RNyz61Vmx5w/WbEfefFoxTI/AAAAAAAAKNo/cU0oSESujPQKhMP5kgSuepchP1-P29QEACLcBGAs/s320/kumyasnow4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">... and another part. This series is available in pink, sax blue, lavender and navy. These seem like pretty safe colour options for a snowy print like this. I think the sax blue and navy versions especially stand out. As for the print itself, I am not really an Usakumya print person, but I do think this print is adorable. There are so many cute little details to the print. My favourite part is the Kumyas making a Snow Kumya. I like how they are wearing cute fur-lined capes and Usakumya's facial expression is so full of joy. The heart buttons on the Snow Kumya are a nice touch too. The rest of the print is filled nicely. The snow covered trees help to fill in any gaps, as do the falling snowflakes. The aurora in the sky is a nice touch too. There is only one bit of this print which I don't understand- the strawberries. It is not the first time Baby have done a Wintry print with strawberries in it, but this time I feel as though nothing has been done to fit the strawberries in with the rest of the print. They look so out of place. I associate strawberries with Summer!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I think this is a cute series. There are some parts of this series which seem stronger than others. It is probably quite obvious that I favour one JSK design over the other. The print is really cute if I ignore the random strawberries. Would I buy this series? No, because it is not my style. But for an Usakumya print, I think this is a really good offering. I am sure it will have plenty of fans. My top choice would be JSK I in either the sax blue or navy (probably the navy!). I am sure this print is going to look super cute, especially nearer the Winter time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-75099126040563100252017-09-07T02:29:00.000-07:002017-09-07T02:29:39.005-07:00Dream Masquerade Carnival!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I am still feeling ill, but I am going to try and soldier on with this post. Please bear with me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So on the 27th of August I headed to London for the Tea Party Club event Dream Masquerade Carnival. I was only able to attend the tea party on the Sunday this year, as I had other commitments on the Saturday. I would like to say that my bank account thanked me for avoiding the inevitable shopping spree, but I ended up spending my money elsewhere anyway! I think I have a serious shopping problem! The truth is, I almost didn't even make it to the tea party. I had received some really bad news just a week before, which has totally thrown me and is going to affect me for years to come. So that has been playing on my mind quite a lot and as a result, I was feeling super anxious. It just didn't seem right going to London and eating cake, but I told myself that this would probably be my only chance to see Maki and Asuka from Angelic Pretty. I had so much support from friends throughout the day and they made my decision to stay a whole lot easier. Seriously, I cannot thank you all enough (you know who you are!).&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgT9nWCT2qE/Wavesj07d8I/AAAAAAAAKMU/ywZpVs3-r-g2ks66l4SiFGTyHHGq8-UOQCLcBGAs/s1600/106_2892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qgT9nWCT2qE/Wavesj07d8I/AAAAAAAAKMU/ywZpVs3-r-g2ks66l4SiFGTyHHGq8-UOQCLcBGAs/s320/106_2892.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I didn't do anything too OTT outfit-wise this time. I didn't have as much time to plan an outfit as I had hoped, as I have been exploring other hobbies outside of lolita a lot more this year. In the end, I decided to pick a dress that A) was Angelic Pretty B) went with my pink AP Tea Parties and C) I didn't think was going to get worn by a large number of other attendees. I came so close to wearing Daydream Carnival, but in the end Milky Swan won out. It would appear that I have recycled a fair bit from previous outfits this time! The shoe feathers made a return and I feel as though I have worn these gloves to death. But I wasn't really focusing on having a super unique outfit. My priorities have changed a whole lot lately. In fact, I didn't realise how profound an effect this one day was going to have on me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6o_mQbUhCrM/WavetgCItvI/AAAAAAAAKMk/UQ69e7OnPn0DAG6FgmacZLEiZSs8P1lAwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170827_095745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6o_mQbUhCrM/WavetgCItvI/AAAAAAAAKMk/UQ69e7OnPn0DAG6FgmacZLEiZSs8P1lAwCLcBGAs/s320/20170827_095745.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The hair and accessories were inspired by Odette from the ballet Swan Lake. As this was a ballerina themed outfit, I also took some inspiration from my favourite artist Degas. The feather clips refused to stay in the correct position and the purple roses were not quite the right shade, but overall I was really happy with my choices.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZsmezkE8og/WaveseLuMKI/AAAAAAAAKMQ/RbRQjh6Jt_0Qpy6ZrIwze3g_E4K9spjygCEwYBhgL/s1600/106_2922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZsmezkE8og/WaveseLuMKI/AAAAAAAAKMQ/RbRQjh6Jt_0Qpy6ZrIwze3g_E4K9spjygCEwYBhgL/s320/106_2922.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first room we were all gathered in was very small and tightly packed. It made finding people very difficult. I didn't see some of my friends until later on in the day because there was just no way of mingling without barging in to scepters, hair accessories and all the usual stuff that comes with dressing up super fancy! But I did manage to get a few pictures of other people's outfits and eventually I found Michelle sat at a table. We had a good talk and she really put me at ease. She was dressed as a beautiful fairy. Ayumi from Rose Marie Seoir picked Michelle as her best dressed and I think Michelle was the only person on the whole table who didn't see that coming!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_7JJh28l77I/WavesXPvl_I/AAAAAAAAKMM/qFo0m1qspLEtnMLgXvfQt61sHvcYrt-dACEwYBhgL/s1600/106_2931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_7JJh28l77I/WavesXPvl_I/AAAAAAAAKMM/qFo0m1qspLEtnMLgXvfQt61sHvcYrt-dACEwYBhgL/s320/106_2931.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I didn't get many pictures of the venue itself, but here is a blurry photo of a unicorn tapestry I took! I am a huge fan of the series of unicorn tapestries and get very excited when I see any of them hanging at places I visit. They seem to be very popular in fancy hotels because I see them quite frequently. This year the venue for the tea party was the Royal Horseguards Hotel. It was this venue where the Tea Party Club hosted the 5th TPC anniversary featuring Juliette et Justine and my first time back here since that event. It did bring up quite a few memories. There was even another proposal this year, which was so sweet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UaUhGD7Fl3s/Wavet-VvRvI/AAAAAAAAKMs/Fi6gH6YSLW0cNUYtQRuEnBstTX3MZpnUwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170827_140332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UaUhGD7Fl3s/Wavet-VvRvI/AAAAAAAAKMs/Fi6gH6YSLW0cNUYtQRuEnBstTX3MZpnUwCEwYBhgL/s320/20170827_140332.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The tables had some lovely goodies available. My favourite was the AP themed temporary tattoos. I got a proper tattoo done a few months ago (I was going through a 'f*ck it' phase and just went for it) and I keep having to resist the urge to get more done! But I am not sure if I would want to get a lolita themed tattoo, just in case I regretted in later on. So having a temporary option is fantastic! There were recent prints featured as well as some carnival themed ones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1s9-WVZBbyU/Wavet8tcIFI/AAAAAAAAKMo/fndGl5TfSdEyrmudav06FmT3rR8eYFQlwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170827_150547%25280%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1s9-WVZBbyU/Wavet8tcIFI/AAAAAAAAKMo/fndGl5TfSdEyrmudav06FmT3rR8eYFQlwCEwYBhgL/s320/20170827_150547%25280%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was left feeling a bit 'meh' about the food. It was lovely, but I have to admit that it is not the best afternoon tea I have had. I think there could have been more cakes provided. We ended up with about one each. I opted for the fruit tart. The fruit was lovely and refreshing. It complimented the sweet custard filling well. There were lots of sandwiches though and the usual scones. I felt a little bit sorry for our waitress, because we kept asking for refills of the cream and jam!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F88SNts-1Ls/WaveuA_H-vI/AAAAAAAAKMw/la9bIqu_3ugRDxPU--Vfxu_99VojUze9QCEwYBhgL/s1600/20170827_152059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F88SNts-1Ls/WaveuA_H-vI/AAAAAAAAKMw/la9bIqu_3ugRDxPU--Vfxu_99VojUze9QCEwYBhgL/s320/20170827_152059.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Triple Fortune designers Babi and Kaie went around each table to greet us and take pictures. I thought this was really lovely. They made such an effort and I really hope they will consider coming back to the UK again. There was a translator as well, so we got to tell them just how much the UK adores their products, especially their beautiful bonnets.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i9-S-5lX0UI/WaveumJ_0LI/AAAAAAAAKM0/6jj6pZGfDK8NX_eIecBfoRtS-aeJbtsMwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170827_155249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i9-S-5lX0UI/WaveumJ_0LI/AAAAAAAAKM0/6jj6pZGfDK8NX_eIecBfoRtS-aeJbtsMwCLcBGAs/s320/20170827_155249.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Later on, I got a chance to have my photo taken with them. They told me they loved my hair accessories and how they reminded them of Odette. So that was definitely a highlight of my day!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But that is not all the happened... Unfortunately this is the end of the Tea Party Club. Kyra has decided to step down and it seems Mica and the others on the team are in agreement. It was a huge shock, but I think ultimately, Kyra has made the right decision and I can empathise with some of the things she has said about her decision. I will be forever grateful to the Tea Party club for the most fantastic events they have put on over the years. They have achieved so much. But this does not have to be the end of the UK lolita scene's bigger events. It may take a few years to build up to this level again, but it is not impossible. I wonder who will be generous enough to step up? Whoever decides to put on the next big event, I do hope that the community will help out and support them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also ended up having a very in-depth discussion with this lovely lady called Charlotte. She has made me rethink a lot of things and I loved talking to her, as she is very passionate about what she does. I don't want to say too much about it right now, but I am very excited about the future!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HH04R5rr51w/WavetMxRmPI/AAAAAAAAKMY/aDOAVvKeX58NgJbV16n0zmZxYhXTcMHAQCEwYBhgL/s1600/106_2949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HH04R5rr51w/WavetMxRmPI/AAAAAAAAKMY/aDOAVvKeX58NgJbV16n0zmZxYhXTcMHAQCEwYBhgL/s320/106_2949.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So if I didn't buy lolita stuff, what did make my wallet weep in London? Well after feeling so terrible in the run up to the event, I promised myself that if I made it to the tea party, I would finally treat myself to a bottle of Luna by perfume company Penhaligon's. Thinking back, I can't remember if I shared the story about this perfume on my blog or not. Basically, when I had afternoon tea for my birthday last year in London, I went in to Penhaligon's afterwards and a sales assistant got talking to me. I told him what I liked and he picked out a perfume called Luna. With a name like that, it felt like fate! It turned out to be the most beautiful rose scented perfume I have ever smelt and the shop guy sprayed it all over my arm. Then he told me the price (it costs A LOT) and I had to try so hard to not show my horror on my face! As he had sprayed so much on me, I spent the rest of the day getting painful reminders of the perfume that felt way out of my league. So this year I put the money aside and I found the perfect excuse to finally get it! I also got some Tarot themed Dunnys. Those are the little vinyl figures at the bottom of the picture. I used to collect them years ago and the tarot series reeled me right back in again. The bird themed stickers are from Artbox and the snacks are from both the Japan Centre and Artbox/Tofu Cute. I got myself quite a few DIY candy kits because I am going to be making them and uploading the videos to Youtube. This is a little side project I am doing because I thought it would be a good way to combat my anxiety and get used to talking more confidently. So if the videos do well then that is great, but if they are not a success that means less people will see me making a fool of myself on camera! I will be happy either way! The idea came to me because I am having therapy at the moment and this felt like a good step to take to improve my interactions with people online. This is just one of many lifestyle changes I am making at the moment. The channel is not up yet, so I am not able to link it. But if you are that desperate to see me being an anxious idiot, then I am sure you will be able to find me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s7EO6Rabi2Q/WavetEoUwnI/AAAAAAAAKMc/By5N-863B0YsXX-aYy2V-Nu5u1kJD5vpgCEwYBhgL/s1600/106_2960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s7EO6Rabi2Q/WavetEoUwnI/AAAAAAAAKMc/By5N-863B0YsXX-aYy2V-Nu5u1kJD5vpgCEwYBhgL/s320/106_2960.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A quick picture of some of the items that were given away at the tea party. I adore the fans! There were also some chiffon bows, but there were limited supplies of them and they didn't match anything I had anyway. Long Ears and Sharp Ears Studio made a lot of effort with their gifts and donated so much to the raffle as well. And speaking of Long Ears and Sharp Ears...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--uqoOsfNm6w/WavetNfIg4I/AAAAAAAAKMg/CiyPS6d4H7ovBkA_mh1NBNG9_75e66GzQCEwYBhgL/s1600/106_2967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--uqoOsfNm6w/WavetNfIg4I/AAAAAAAAKMg/CiyPS6d4H7ovBkA_mh1NBNG9_75e66GzQCEwYBhgL/s320/106_2967.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">... I won one of their skirts in the raffle! This really made me smile because do you remember the post I posted literally just the other week about difficult colours? I commented about how I don't own any brown in my wardrobe and I ended up winning a skirt with lots of brown in it! But there is also red tones and some muted gold, so I am going to focus on those colours in the print. It just made me smile that a post I posted just 2 weeks ago has become so incredibly relevant to my current situation!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I guess this is the last Tea Party Club themed post I am going to be doing on here. It has been a wild ride, and I feel as though there are a lot of things which I have forgotten to mention. Thank you Kyra and the Tea Party Club team. I set out to meet the AP designers and I made it! That is another goal to tick off the list. I hope everybody else had a great time and hopefully I will get to see some of you at another big event soon. This might give me the incentive to attend the next Street Fashion Europe event or search further afield. Who knows what the future holds!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-13454035485773979662017-09-04T03:05:00.000-07:002017-09-04T03:05:53.725-07:00Halloween Treats by Angelic Pretty<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today I am looking at Halloween Treats by Angelic Pretty. This series includes 2 dresses, 2 hair accessories, socks, a blouse and a bag. There are also some additional Angelic Bat items which were released at the same time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u5Z_6dDUvyg/Wakpc4_W4HI/AAAAAAAAKLs/3HblAcHT74c3SMeXIPTlIAZorwXyDx-sgCLcBGAs/s1600/halltreat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u5Z_6dDUvyg/Wakpc4_W4HI/AAAAAAAAKLs/3HblAcHT74c3SMeXIPTlIAZorwXyDx-sgCLcBGAs/s320/halltreat1.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First is the OP. Being a sack dress, it does not have a defined bodice and waistline. This is one of the few instances where I think a sack style cut sort of works though. The sleeves look a suitable length and have a good amount of puffiness to them. I like that the cuffs are more fitted as well, which is a nice contrast to the loosely fitted sleeves. The cuffs have a really cool shaped hemline as well, which go brilliantly with the Halloween and bat theme. There is a yoke, which also has a fantastically appropriate shape to it. I like the size of the yoke too. The yoke features several lines of lace and some pleats, which stop the area from looking too flat and boring. There is also a line of buttons, which are well spaced out. The only thing I am not sure on is how they alternate between star shaped and circular buttons. I would have stuck with one or the other. The collar is lined neatly with lace and doesn't look too tight or stuffy. There is then a large bow topping the yoke. Although the bow is big, I think the size of it really suits the dress. I also like how the bow is made of stripy material, although it is a bit on the shiny side. The bat shaped detail topping the bow is the most wonderful finishing touch. I really love it! This bow is detachable, but I would leave it on as I feel it really pulls the design together. The back offers no shirring, so the size flexibility is limited. Shirring probably wouldn't suit a sack-like dress like this anyway. At least the yoke looks equally well shaped on the back and the zip is reasonably well concealed. The stock photos show that the 'skirt' has a lot of volume and flares outwards well. Not that you would want to over-do petticoat with this style of dress! The dress is otherwise kept simple in design, so the all-over print is displayed perfectly. The bottom hem is then finished off neatly with the most amazing bat themed lace. I really like it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t4iDxebiNzc/WakpczUGyCI/AAAAAAAAKLw/FLpGlNBj6sw-ffqmU-Gg9lgIaJRk0vOFgCLcBGAs/s1600/halltreat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t4iDxebiNzc/WakpczUGyCI/AAAAAAAAKLw/FLpGlNBj6sw-ffqmU-Gg9lgIaJRk0vOFgCLcBGAs/s320/halltreat2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next is the JSK. The bodice looks quite well fitted, although the bodice shape is simple. The bat collar however, more than makes up for the simple bodice shape. It is bold with good lines and I find it very striking. It makes what would otherwise be a dull dress in to something much more exciting. I love the bat clip finishing off the collar as well. There is a waist bow, which I think is a suitable size. I feel it is very in proportion with the other details on the dress. This bow is a simple shape, but well formed. I wish the ribbon used was a bit less shiny, but this is only a very minor complaint. The bodice is broken up by several lines of star themed lace. This lace looks really cute and I like how it breaks up the otherwise empty space. The back offers a panel of shirring, which is topped neatly with a ribbon corset. The stock photos show that the skirt is generous in volume. I think it should hold plenty of petticoat and is a good option if the sack cut of the OP feels a bit too intimidating. The skirt is again kept simple in design, so the print is displayed beautifully. The bottom hem is then finished off tidily with a line of the awesome bat lace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QHxf43SNj0g/WakqPLn3M8I/AAAAAAAAKL8/TCE9015_aEAl4MwCAz3iJ-z2KzR335AVQCLcBGAs/s1600/halltreats4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QHxf43SNj0g/WakqPLn3M8I/AAAAAAAAKL8/TCE9015_aEAl4MwCAz3iJ-z2KzR335AVQCLcBGAs/s320/halltreats4.png" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, this is the print. This series comes in ivory, black and lavender. I do wonder if AP will release more colours later when they see how well this series has done, but for now these 3 colours look really great with the print. As for the print itself, it is the perfect mix of spooky and cute. The fact that the coffins and tombstones are cakes and other sweets makes it look adorable rather than creepy. I especially love the bat shaped cookies and the ghostly marshmallows! The items in the print are evenly distributed. The stars and moons in the background help to fill in any empty spaces. The only thing I felt a little unsure of is that the grey and brown colours used on the ivory and lavender for the cakes looks as though it may appear a bit 'washed out'. I think on these 2 versions the print details do not stand out as clearly as they do on the black.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am not in the slightest bit surprised to see that this series has been a success. Angelic Pretty really excel at this creepy cute Halloween theme. There isn't much I would tweak about the dress designs, even though I am not a huge fan of sack dresses. I especially love the bat shaped clips and hemlines. That was a really clever idea. Would I buy this series? No, but that is because as my longer-term readers will know, I don't do seasonal prints. If there was a series to tempt me to get a Halloween print though, this print would be a strong contender!</div><br />Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-70176044475581626142017-08-31T02:40:00.000-07:002017-08-31T02:40:44.507-07:00A Lolita Reads LolitaOkay, today was meant to be my DMC post but unfortunately I have had a stinking cold the past few days. So I am doing a bit of self care and posting a post I already had written up. I am hoping to have the chance to go through all my stuff later, so the DMC post should be up next Thursday. Apologies for the delay. So much crazy stuff has been going on! Anyway, here is a post about the Lolita novel...<br /><br />As wearers of lolita fashion, how many times has the phrase "It's not like the book" come out of our mouths as we explain to others what the fashion is about? It has almost become a bit of a running joke in the fashion community. There is this great fear of the clothing we love getting compared to the main subject of the book- pedophilia. But how many of us have actually <i>read </i>the book? I got asked recently if I had read Lolita and I had to admit that I hadn't. So I decided that something needed to be done about this and went and got myself a copy. Be warned- MASSIVE SPOILERS are going to follow.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7TATu6a2kqc/WZSdqZWaZ7I/AAAAAAAAKKA/MZ9LZl7RO2IFeDwRGy_9fSRxlTQy57n8wCLcBGAs/s1600/lolitabook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="324" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7TATu6a2kqc/WZSdqZWaZ7I/AAAAAAAAKKA/MZ9LZl7RO2IFeDwRGy_9fSRxlTQy57n8wCLcBGAs/s320/lolitabook.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><br /><br />The book is told from the point of view of Humbert Humbert, the nymphet loving pedophile who falls in love with Dolores (also known as Lolita). He has been imprisoned for murder and the book sort of reads as his confession. Before reading the book, I was expecting to view Humbert as simply being a dirty old pervert. In the beginning, that is indeed how I viewed him. Despite hearing his tales of his early love life pre-Lolita, all I could see was the pedophile. In fact, hearing his tales sounded awfully as if he was trying to justify what he was about to tell us all about his misdemeanors with Lolita. Humbert obviously knows what he did is wrong and has the audacity to try and pleas with the reader to understand him!<br /><br />But as I got further in to the book, it became more confusing to me. The Humbert near the start of the book is very focused on his lust and his careful pursuit of Lolita. He catches little glances of her and satisfies himself with brief moments, such as having Lolita sit on his knee. I never had the impression that he was genuinely in love with Lolita. I don't believe that Humbert feels he is in love with Lolita either. He talks about how when she gets older, she will eventually lose her 'nymphet qualities' and how he wishes to enjoy her whilst she is still young. Later on, it becomes apparent that there is another Humbert. This other Humbert is hopelessly in love with Lolita. When he sees her as a pregnant, married 17-year-old, Humbert tells us that he is still in love with Lolita, even though she is no longer a child. His feelings towards his former lover seem to genuine. The romantic poetry and flowery descriptions throughout the book feel more heartfelt. I never once felt sorry for Humbert, and it remains the case that his sexual tendencies are illegal, but I found myself feeling a lot less hostile towards him as I finished the novel.<br /><br />Initially, I was not a fan of the character Lolita. Her character felt very two-dimensional and written to sound like a 'typical' teenager, obsessed with movies, clothing and all the usual stuff. Humbert is not a reliable narrator, which means we are only seeing her through his eyes. He is focused solely on the sexual elements of their relationship for most of the book. It is only later on that he realises how damaging his actions have been and how maybe Lolita may have been thinking. To truly build a picture of Lolita's character, I had to remind myself how I was when I was her age. When I was 12, I was curious about sex but not so much in forming meaningful relationships. I see that same curiosity in Lolita. It is almost as if sex is a game. Only as time goes on, and Lolita's vulnerabilities come through, it becomes more apparent that she is maybe not as willing a sexual partner as Humbert first thinks.<br /><br />When I finished the book I was pleased to see that it really wasn't anywhere near as smutty as I thought it was going to be. Humbert is clearly a very troubled character, as evidenced by his time in a mental institution and the mourning of a childhood lover. Lolita is equally troubled, and you do have to wonder how a typical 12 year-old would react if they were to go through the same events as Lolita. I found myself finding that the way the events pan out in the book are maybe not as unrealistic as I first thought. It is the tragedy of the situation that I have found has stayed in my mind after finishing the book.<br /><br />Although the book left some confusing feelings inside me afterwards (there are lots of little subtleties I missed at first until they were pointed out in the afterword and reviews of the novel) I am still glad that I read it. I do think the book fully deserves its reputation as a Modern Classic and it was interesting seeing what other people thought of it. Perhaps on a second reading, it will gradually begin to make more sense to me. From a lolita fashion point of view, the book has absolutely nothing to do with the fashion. But rather than dismissing the book as some kind of dirty piece of erotica, I would invite others to actually pick up and read the book. It is also fair to say that there is a sexual fetish named after Lolita, but usually it is simply enough to explain to members of the public that it is not connected to the book. At least now, I can say with confidence that I have indeed read the book. I may still dislike Humbert's appalling actions and his pathetic attempts to justify them to both the reader and himself, but the book is written in such a way that you can <i>almost </i>get a better idea of how his mind works. His realizations towards the end help to make him seem a lot more'human'. Lolita is maybe not a good book for a more casual reader, but if you are a book fan then I would recommend giving it a go.Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3007649283775805988.post-39057283912623329692017-08-28T03:06:00.000-07:002017-08-28T03:06:54.494-07:00Chateau de Nounours ~ Angel's Secret Winery by Alice and the PiratesToday I am looking at&nbsp;Chateau de Nounours ~ Angel's Secret Winery by Alice and the Pirates. This series includes 2 dresses, a skirt, a blouse, 3 hair accessories and socks.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUIXMPJjmYc/WZqsNzsrBII/AAAAAAAAKKU/4-uCrYrnm-AdeQ4pynUeKmzeZx9cN0CEACLcBGAs/s1600/chateau1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WUIXMPJjmYc/WZqsNzsrBII/AAAAAAAAKKU/4-uCrYrnm-AdeQ4pynUeKmzeZx9cN0CEACLcBGAs/s320/chateau1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First is JSK I. The bodice seems quite well fitted and although the shape is quite simple, I think it works really well. The straps look a decent width and very supportive. There is a line of embroidered ribbon going along the inside of the straps and along the neckline. This ribbon is absolutely gorgeous and gives a slight 'folk' feel to the dress. There is an apron, which is obviously detachable if you are not a fan. I personally really like the apron though. It is a good length that doesn't obscure the border print and I think it has just the right level of cuteness to suit the style of the dress. The apron also features a line of the embroidered ribbon, which is a nice bit of continuity. There is a small solid coloured panel on the bodice, which is then topped with a ribbon corset. It is also lined with more of the embroidered ribbon on either side, which keeps the edges looking neat. I like that the panel gets more narrow towards the bottom, which is quite flattering. The ribbon is well spaced out, although I wish a slightly less shiny ribbon had been used. AatP have used some unusual ribbon colours, so perhaps they were harder to find in a matte finish. There is then a small bow on the neckline. I think this bow is a good size and shape. It adds a little bit of extra detail too, which stops the area from looking too plain. The back offers a panel of shirring, which is topped neatly with a ribbon corset. The stock photos show that the skirt is very plump with volume and it flares outwards a fair bit. I absolutely love the full, rounded shape created for the stock photos and have high hopes for it. Aside from the apron, the skirt is simple in design, so the print is displayed excellently. The bottom hem then features a lint of embroidered ribbon and a thin line of subtle lace. I think the level of detail here is spot on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uPmq2Caie2w/WZqsNyhqYfI/AAAAAAAAKKQ/w559JW9d59g_xN_nl9nkTqKg9DD5LtTEgCLcBGAs/s1600/chateau2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uPmq2Caie2w/WZqsNyhqYfI/AAAAAAAAKKQ/w559JW9d59g_xN_nl9nkTqKg9DD5LtTEgCLcBGAs/s320/chateau2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is JSK II. The bodice looks fairly well fitted. Again, the bodice shape is quite simple, but I don't think it has quite the same 'wow' factor as JSK I, despite JSK II having more details on the bodice. The straps look like quite a supportive width and suit the style of bodice. These straps are lined very neatly with a pretty line of braid. The braid is really lovely, but I prefer the embroidered ribbon of JSK I! This braid is also used on the neckline along with a line of lace. The lace is of a good quality, but it doesn't look like anything particularly special. There is a waist bow, which I think is a bit too big. I also wonder if maybe the shape is a bit too sweet and cutesy? The edges of this bow are lined with a matte ribbon. Despite the bow being quite big, it seems to hold its shape really well. There are no obvious signs of drooping. However, it would have been nice to have the option to detach the waist bow. The bodice features a wide neckline ruffle which is lined with the same ribbon used on the waist bow. I don't think this ruffle has been particularly well gathered and it looks a bit flat. I also feel that if they are going to do a ruffle like this on the bodice, it would have been good to have a similar ruffle on the bottom hem to give the dress a bit of balance. At the base of both straps, we have some further bows. There is a matte bow featuring a bunch of fake grapes on one side, and 2 shiny ribbon bows on the other side. I like the bow with the grapes, but overall I can't help but feel that these bows look a bit unbalanced. The design just doesn't seem to 'gel' if that makes sense? I would have maybe not bothered with the 2 bows on the other side or would consider putting something else there. I am not sure what else you could replace those bows with though. The back is fully shirred, which means there is loads of size flexibility but also that the shirring is left exposed. The stock photos show that the skirt is very full and it flares outwards plenty. It should hold plenty of petticoat. The skirt is kept simple in design, so the print is displayed wonderfully. The bottom hem is then finished off with a line of the matte ribbon and a thin line of lace.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WdZ8IkDnpPc/WZqsN7b_uKI/AAAAAAAAKKY/I0qwR763wIQLcC5002X_GsNaOpKjon3TgCLcBGAs/s1600/chateau3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WdZ8IkDnpPc/WZqsN7b_uKI/AAAAAAAAKKY/I0qwR763wIQLcC5002X_GsNaOpKjon3TgCLcBGAs/s320/chateau3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, here is one part of the print...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ARGn0oXOuDk/WZqsOOKJvBI/AAAAAAAAKKc/XZw-CSVsWf8nRO9-oZIztorlkJkkghXFgCLcBGAs/s1600/chateau4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ARGn0oXOuDk/WZqsOOKJvBI/AAAAAAAAKKc/XZw-CSVsWf8nRO9-oZIztorlkJkkghXFgCLcBGAs/s320/chateau4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">... and another. This series comes in ivory, wine (how apt...), navy and black. I think the 3 dark colours work really well. The navy works well with the purple colours in the print, as does the black with the dark red. I like that there is a lighter colour option. It looks completely different to the 3 darker colours! However, I think the ivory colour could have done with being a bit darker in tone and less white. As for the print, I think this is a really cool idea for a print, and I am not just saying that because I came up with a vineyard print idea for a design contest years ago! (I didn't complete it in time for the deadline unfortunately...). The brickwork arches and barrels do remind me of a vineyard I visited in France years ago. I like how the grapes effortlessly drape around the other print details. The grapes feature a decent amount of highlighting and shading as well, which makes them look more three dimensional. I can take or leave the bows that appear near the bottom of the print. I don't think they add much. The mice add a touch of cuteness, but it is just the right amount of cute for the print. There are a few things that confused me about this print though. What do the random angels have to do with anything in the print? I think they look a bit out of place. Although it did make me laugh to think of a bunch of angels getting drunk! I also thought the chandelier above the mice is a bit strange, as I assumed they were outside! Overall though, I think my misgivings with the print are quite minor. It is quite a fun and interesting print.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I like that this series explores a theme which is not really seen that often in lolita (I think there has been wine themed prints before, but they are not common, especially not by the big Japanese brands). With regards to the dress designs, I think it is obvious I prefer one dress design over the other! The print is also packed with detail. I feel as though every time I look at it, I am finding new details I missed before. Would I buy this series? Possibly, yes. My top choice is JSK I in black. I would have picked the navy, but I am a sucker for that black and wine red colour combination. I think this could be a series which would be really fun to co-ordinate. There are so many different directions you could go in. I hope we see more of these kind of releases from Alice and the Pirates in the future.</div><br />Luna Rainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464262368460043966noreply@blogger.com0